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Tern Project info
2006
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Nesting Season
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Least
Tern/Snowy Plover Project 2007
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| June
12 - Report
from David Pryor |
We
got nest numbers!
Even yesterday, courting behavior was observed. So, maybe
we have more nests soon.
No snowy plovers in the logs for a few weeks now. By mid July
we can expect them back.
Frank Stewart had an excellent observation within the chainlink
fencing last Friday. A ground squirrel!
Wally Ross was called, but was busy with a captured raptor
from Bolsa Chica. I saw the same critter in the SW corner
by the River lifeguard tower, set out some bait stations,
and waited and waited. I've been back a few times, but probably
too early in the morning. I have not seen activity in the
AM from 0600 to ~0930. Frank saw them in the 0930 to 1000
time period. Guess it has to warm up for them to come out
of the jetty rocks. I alerted the tern monitors inside the
Preserve to keep an eye out for squirrel activity.
One of our officers reported a crow on the ground within the
Preserve, and many have seen the (10) starlings getting chased
to the edge of the colony. If you haven't been out in front
of the front yard area, walk along the wooden wind fence to
see eggs on the ground, identified by two tounge depressors.
If you get dive bombed by an adult tern, you've got too close
for two long. Back off to make your observations. The nests
are within ~30' from the fence.
The colony has been very nervous with frequent upflights.
There may not be an obvious reason to each occurance, but
it is a welcome display of their air defence when there is
a predator nearby.
Please wear your name badges while in the field and fill in
observations on the daily data sheet. Please ask for your
badge at the Magnolia entrance station if you have not already
picked it up. If you have gone through the orientation this
season, you have a badge made for you.
—David
Pryor |
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