(Manipulated image - background replaced with gradient fill) Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus syn. Sterna maxima), Morro Strand State Beach, Morro Bay, CA, 05 feb 2008 05feb2008 - Photo by Michael "Mike" L. Baird bairdphotos.com Canon 1D Mark III w/ 300 f/2.8 IS lens with 1.4X II TE handheld. Source non-manipulated image is www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2245038533/ Note: 06feb2008 I corrected the ID from Elegant Tern to Royal Tern. Thanks to Maggie Smith earlier, and Greg Smith today, for correcting me on these. Greg says "I am pretty sure they are Royal Terns given the black on the crown and other distinctions. ELTE black should cover the entire crown down to the forehead at this time. ROTE have their black stick out the back whereas ELTE lay down on the back. We might have one ELTE as a vagrant here at this time of year, but for the most part, ELTE is here [Morro Bay, CA] during our summer warm water months. ROTE is not common but expected on our beaches at this time of year [5feb08]. One more helpful hint is the ELTE have a more needle-like bill. Hope this is helpful. Your gradient fill for the background on this shot make the bird even more eye-popping. I am a big fan of cleaning up backgrounds and other distractions. Great shot! Greg"