There are few records of the Roseate Tern breeding along the coast of Borneo.  However since last year, this bird has been observed in breeding plumage on a small rocky outcrop just off the Layang-layangan beach on the west side of Labuan island.  I was able to visit this location in June this year and saw that indeed these birds were breeding here.  There was a small colony of this species together with Bridled and Black-naped Terns.  I had been hoping to see this tern for a long time and it was a wonderful moment.  Thanks to my birding friends from Labuan.

Gull-billed Tern in flight

Gull-billed Tern

At the Tanjung Aru beach north of Kota Kinabalu last month, this lone Gull-billed Tern stood out among a group of Little Terns.  It was already in winter plumage, grey on the upper parts and black patch behind the eye.  Perhaps because it was with the Little Terns, its size caught my full attention (my lifer!).  Between graceful flights over the surf, it came down on the beach and sat with the other terns and waders.  Great day.

Along the seafront of Kota Kinabalu, the Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus can be easily seen.  During the winter migration, birds are usually in non-breeding or juvenile plumages.  The flight is absolutely delightful,  broken only when they plunge into the water for fish.