Royal tern

A fine, regal image of a RT, Jeff. The eye has a metallic appearance.

Is Hobe Sound NWR worth visiting if one doesn't live close by?

Very nice shot!
As you said the white on the back of the neck is a little over but I think it's repairable in PS.

Sandy and all. I dis not use fill flash on this one so not sure about the eye. I might have done selective levels too extreme.

As far as Hobe Sound goes -when I went there several weeks ago, there were just small numbers of shorebirds and terns. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend more, the Blowing Rocks Preserve owned by Nature Conservancy, at the southern end of Jupiter Island. About 20 minutes off the Jupiter I-95 exit and guessing one-hour from Delray Beach. There were limited shore birds when I was there, but several osprey, sea turtles, and unbelievable limestone rock formations. From there, its a short drive to Jonathan Dickinson State Park to look for Scrub Jay and other birds along the Loxahatchee River. Here's the beach area photo I took.

http://jnphoto.net/southscenic2.html

Rgards-Jeff

Very nice Jeff. My only nit is the eye.

Very nice with excellent BG

Crazy Eye!!

Image:
Great exposure and very nice detail, the nictitating membrane could be the culprit here or a damaged eye, nice salt/pepper sand on the beach, nice colors as well, congrats!!