Common Tern Nesting Rafts Return To Lake

Converted pontoon boats that are used as nesting "islands" for the state endangered Common Tern are again on Lake Puckaway.  There are both located on the north side of the mid-lake dredge bank, also known as "Bird Island"  Last year was the first year of the project and the rafts attracted many terns, but it is not known if they attempted to nest.  There were a few little impressions made in the gravel, but we don't know for sure if it was the common terns or another species.  In any case no eggs were seen, so the nests would have been unsuccessful.  

Over their off season the rafts underwent some modifications to make them more attractive to nesting birds.  The wooden sides were cut down and replaced with wire hardware cloth, which allows the birds a better view of the horizon they seem to prefer.  This year we have also changed the nesting substrate from pea gravel to sand.  This may also attract more birds. It also weighs more and makes the rafts sit lower in the water.  Please give the rafts some space, recommended 300 feet to not disturb the birds while fishing north of the dredge bank.

Thanks to Phil Malsack and Lake Arrowhead campground for providing the sand, and storing and launching the rafts.  Rich Pergande and his crew helped with towing the rafts, thank you.  Also thanks to Randy Schmidt, Derek Kavanaugh and my family, who helped building and retrofiring the rafts over the last two years.

Smoothing out the sand while motoring tern nesting raft across Lake Puckaway