The good news is that there are ways to help these birds. Over the past two decades, efforts up and down the coast (and across the globe) have helped terns and similar species by reducing threats at existing nesting sites and by helping them recolonizing previously occupied. There has also been success in helping them establish new nesting sites, even at artificially created locations. Studies have documented that small-scale restoration efforts and habitat creation projects can play a valuable role in contributing to a network of breeding sites.

Seatuck is undertaking a long-term effort to reestablish and safeguard nesting sites across Long Island. This project, titled the “Re-Tern Project,” focuses on terns and similar nesting species, such as Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and more. The Re-Tern Project aims to re-establish and safeguard critical nesting sites for tern species. This work includes,

• Mapping historical, current and potential nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds
• Advancing the use of drone technology to advance the understanding of Long Island’s seabird nesting populations
• Conducting habitat assessments and bird surveys for priority tern species at targeted sites
• Implementing social attraction studies to entice birds to utilize “safer” locations that are less susceptible to climate-change impacts
• Collaborating with academic, municipal and regulatory partners to protect and establish suitable nesting sites for seabird populations

Not surprisingly, both Least and Common terns are listed as New York State threatened species, and Roseate Rerns are federally, and state endangered. These species, as well as other seabirds and shorebirds, are being pushed from their breeding grounds at an alarming rate with no sign of relief in sight. This is why it is crucial to conserve what suitable nesting habitat is left on Long Island, and where possible, create new habitat for future generations of beach-nesting birds.

The Re-Tern Project is a long-term effort to secure, monitor and create habitat for seabird nesting on Long Island.

Unlike many other birds, terns don’t build nests high in trees or hidden deep in the understory; instead, they nest right on the ground on our sandy beaches or marsh islands. Terns create what’s called a “scrape”, using their belly and feet to create a small, shallow depression in the sand or other substrate. This little inconspicuous groove on the beach is what will, hopefully, protect their future offspring. Nests are made above the high tide line; in theory, high enough that they won’t be washed away during unusually high tides or storm events. 

The late spring and early summer months are the most crucial time for breeding success. This is when birds will pair up, mate, lay eggs, and sit on nests until they hatch. Unfortunately, this also happens to be a popular time for beach recreation, so terns and other beach-nesting birds are forced to compete with humans for available nesting habitat each year. With coastal development and now sea-level rise shrinking the availability of suitable habitat, the situation has become dire for terns and other beach nesting species.