This European species has been quite regular in late summer and early fall at refuges to our North, especially in Delaware; however, the White-winged Tern seems not to stray much farther south. The only NC records are of one adult in basic plumage seen by several observers at Bodie Island lighthouse pond on 13 Aug 1994* [Chat 61:276-277 link]; and one in full alternate plumage seen and photographed by numerous birders at Cape Point (Dare) from 26 May - 2 Jun 2020* [Chat 84:96 link]. The last record has been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC; photos are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery.
