Common Tern

Although the state-endangered common tern occurs statewide during migration, nesting colonies have always been restricted to the western basin of Lake Erie.  Artificial nesting platforms have been successful in attracting nesting birds to more secure nesting areas.  In 2012, 5 artificial tern nesting colonies were maintained at Willow Point Wildlife Area (WPWA), and 11 at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR).   At ONWR, 71 breeding pairs initiated 102 nests and fledged 142 young (2 young/pair).  At Willow Point, 107 pairs initiated 164 nests and fledged 183 young (1.71 young/pair).  The Navarre site has been removed as well as the site at East Harbor State Park. The success at Ottawa NWR was due to no noted depredation on the colony by Great Horned owls this year.

Survey details and historical data can be found in the Wetland Species Overview section of the Wildlife Population Status and Hunting Forecast.