Identity of Birds in Photos Hard to Swallow

Thank you for your pictures of the birds (March 22) we see around Newport. I do have to say that the one pictured is not a tern but an American avocet.

I was so enthralled by the wild birds I could see on the Back Bay where I live that I took two classes through Coastline College to be able to identify them.

Terns dive for their food--you never see them wading. They are the ones who fly overhead like the pelicans and then suddenly dive straight down into the water.

Avocets are a wading bird. They have long legs and a long bill turned up at the end, so you can tell from the silhouette what it is. They sweep their bill from side to side to get their food.

I see so many birds wintering here and get an immense amount of enjoyment out of being able to identify the species.

Enjoyed the pelicans and sea gulls today!

RUTH WALLEY

Newport Beach