California Least Tern (colony)

Description:

Least Terns nesting sites in California are very protective and monitored due to the lack of habitat and predators. Most Least Terns make their nesting sites above high tide on beaches. This colony for unknown by the Terns reasons choose an Naval airstrip. They have been coming here since 1976. Protected as an endangered and threaten species, they are monitored for not only breeding but on their diet of what species of fish they are eating. Watched over by the DFW and volunteers, who maintain, monitor and study the birds. The biggest danger here are the Peregrine Falcons, A. Kestrals, Barn Owls and Burrowing Owls. Most times the DFW will not interfere unless the threat is too much. Then they try to capture the violating raptors and relocate them. The only other threat is the heat. Small shelters were built and clay pipes were placed to help the chicks find shelter.

Habitat:

For this one is a flat part of an airstrip. Gravel is placed every year and weeds pulled.

Notes:

These were taken at the Alameda Naval base, one of the largest protected colonies in California.