On June 13, 2025, Kayla Cannon and Joe Brosseau found a Bridled Tern on White Island at the Isles of Shoals. This is a remarkable sighting, not only because it is only the second NH state record of a Bridled Tern, but also because it is almost certainly the same bird that showed up one year ago in the same place! On July 9, 2024, Patrick Gritton photographed a Bridled Tern on White Island, which became the first state record. The individual returned to White Island again in 2026, making three consecutive summers at the same location.

In the Western Hemisphere, Bridled Terns breed in the Caribbean and along the coasts of Central and South America. The only known US breeding site is in the Florida Keys; however, the tern visiting White Island, nicknamed “Mel”, seems to think it is time to expand their breeding range. Here he is, calling for a partner with a fish offering in his beak. The Common Terns flying all around are not interested.