What a special day dedicated to the CALIFORNIA LEAST TERNS [7/16/2023], an endangered species! We went on a guided tour called the #RETURNOFTHETERNS. Alameda has the unique privilege of hosting a large, productive least tern breeding colony. After years of negotiations, the U.S. Navy transferred 624 acres of its former airfield at Alameda Point to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The transfer included the former airstrip that was adopted by Least Terns for nesting in the 1970s and that has become the most productive breeding site in California for that species. More than 500 acres – including the area used by the terns – will be preserved as a wildlife reserve.

We watched a very informative presentation about The Least Terns' fascinating behavior and the reasons for their success at the largest colony in Central/Northern California. We then went in a bus to the nesting site teeming with several hundred pairs of Terns and their chicks (there are 340 nests, 40 chicks have hatched so far) This area needs special access permission, is not open to the public and is accessible only on their tour bus. Experts aboard the bus were very knowledgeable. One of them is on the field every day keeping an eye on the Terns.

The California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni), smallest of the North American Terns, is an endangered species of migratory seabird that nests along the coasts of California through Baja every April through mid-September. They nest on open, sandy dunes along the coast, and feed on small fish like anchovy and smelt in shallow coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries.

The eggs and the chicks perfectly camouflage with the pebbly sand. Even when the chicks are running across the sand, it's hard to locate them.
The biggest threat to this colony are the Peregrine Falcons.The other looming threats for these Terns are: growing development, recreational pressures which destroyed habitat, invasive plants, disturbance by beachgoers and dogs, increased predation, and declining food resources.
Fun Fact: California Least Terns defend their nesting colony against predators by flying up into the air, calling loudly, and pooping on their target!

#GoldenGateAudubon and its Friends of the #AlamedaWildlifeReserve committee have advocated for decades to protect the terns. My salute to everyone working for this good cause.


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