Endangered Common Terns Nesting on Lake Puckaway

The Common Tern is an endangered species in Wisconsin, nesting only off Lake Superior and a island in Lake Butte des Morts specifically made for them.  The birds are endangered in the state due to a scarcity of suitable beach nesting habitat.  Beaches are in high demand by both humans and nesting gulls.  The Lake Puckaway Protection and Rehabilitation District modified two pontoon boats last year for these terns.  The rafts attracted Common Terns, but none nested. This year we further modified the rafts to make them more attractive, and have been rewarded with one nest on each raft.  This marks the first time Common Terns have nested on rafts in Wisconsin, something of a big deal in a small circle bird biologists.  Nesting rafts are not a new concept though, and are used elsewhere in the US and Europe.   In any event this doubles the number of Common Tern colonies found inland in Wisconsin.

Please give this rafts plenty of space so as not to disturb the birds.  Many tern species are aggressive defenders of nests and will rise up to attack or harass intruders.  While away from their nests the eggs and chicks are in danger of become too cold, and predation by gulls.  You may also receive a nasty peck.  Many a bird biologist has come away from a tern colony bloodied at some point in their career, so far I've only been pooped on.

The long-term goal of this project is to build a permanent island for Common Terns on Lake Puckaway with secondary habitat benefits for fish and other wildlife.  For example an island could be constructed in such a way that would encourage the growth of aquatic plants by providing a wave barrier.  The plants would then be habitat for fish, ducks, geese etc.  With an island in place the rafts would be retired, or donated to another organization interested in helping the Common Tern.

Incubating Common Tern

Common Terns build simple nests and typically lay three eggs.