June 28, 2022
Least Terns were removed from the federal endangered species list in June, so what better time than now to dedicate a post in their honor? They were declared endangered in the interior region of North America in 1985 with a population of about 2,000 birds. After the implementation of extensive conservation efforts, including protected nesting areas, they’ve successfully rebuilt their population over three decades.
Least Terns are discernible from other terns by their compact size and particularly aggressive hunting behavior. They hover over the water for several seconds before dive-bombing headfirst like little canons. Though not easily seen without binoculars, the white “headlight” on their forehead and black beak tip are also a couple of helpful field marks.
Least Terns nest in open areas with sandy terrain such as beaches, sandbars, and riverbanks. Their nest is a shallow indentation in the sand, leaving their eggs at risk of being unintentionally trampled. Biologists designate fenced-off nesting areas for Least Terns on their breeding grounds in an effort to combat these issues, each nest monitored throughout the breeding season.
My sister and I were walking along the beach on our way to the Tijuana River mouth when movement next to a bundle of sticks caught our attention. Even with binoculars it was difficult to make out the brownish-gray blob, which turned out to be a Least Tern nestling. His fuzzy body camouflages almost perfectly into his surroundings in the photograph above.
I am fully obsessed with the miniature Least Tern feet in the photo above.
The terns in this post are inside of a protected nesting site near the Tijuana River mouth. It is most conveniently accessed by parking at the southernmost end of Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach and walking south down the beach about a mile or so. If you like birdwatching barefoot (🎶 and getting caught in the rain 🎶), this is the place to do it.
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Gone Birdin' 