Sent to me by my daughter.
Jean
A real tern-up for the books
Feb. 21, 2014, 6 a.m.
THEY might have been late for breeding season but the endangered little terns of Lake Wollumboola appear to be flourishing, with about 50 nests fledging 31 chicks so far.
THEY might have been late for breeding season but the endangered little terns of Lake Wollumboola appear to be flourishing, with about 50 nests fledging 31 chicks so far.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Shorebird Recovery co-ordinator Jodie Dunn said a special pair of banded little terns was among this year’s migration.
“A bird banded 17 years ago as a chick at Towra Point has nested with a bird banded 15 years ago here at Lake Wollumboola. The pair hatched two chicks this season,” Ms Dunn said.
“Many chicks are still present and are venturing outside fenced areas. Because they are small and camouflaged, we ask people to please stay well clear of nesting areas and to keep their pets away.
“It’s been about five years since the last significant little tern nesting season occurred at Lake Wollumboola so staff and volunteers have been very excited about this year’s success.
“During the 1980s there were about 100 little tern breeding pairs along the NSW coast, and now thanks to responsible visitors and vigilant volunteers, there are around 500 pairs in the state.”
Ms Dunn said Lake Wollumboola was on the national register of important wetlands and frequently provided a refuge and breeding place for thousands of birds.
“This summer, Lake Wollumboola is providing habitat for around 7500 birds. There are 33 species here, four of which are listed as threatened,” Ms Dunn said.
NPWS encourages people visiting Lake Wollumboola to bring binoculars and sit quietly to enjoy the black swans, grey teal ducks, and other species that are likely to come past.
Early morning is generally the coolest and least breezy time to enjoy bird watching at Lake Wollumboola, which can be accessed through Culburra Beach township. For more information please call the NPWS Nowra office on 4428 6300.
