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The Least Tern (Sternula antillarum, formerly Sterna antillarum) is a species of
shorebirds that breeds in coastal locations throughout Pinellas County. The species’ natural
nesting habitat is being threatened by coastal development and recreational
usage, resulting in the tern’s need to seek alternative nesting sites in order
to survive. For the last several years, the terns have been nesting on the roofs
of large commercial buildings in Pinellas County, with several thriving
colonies.
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The Friends of Weedon Island, Inc., in partnership with the Pinellas County
Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR) (formerly known as the Environmental
Lands Division) is constructing an alternative least tern nesting site on the
rooftop of the Weedon Island Preserve Natural and History Center building as a Sea Scout QuarterMaster project led by Andrew Kropp from Ship 912.
Construction costs for the project are being funded, in part, by a grant from the
Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), and funds donated by the Friends of Weedon
Island, Inc, at no cost to Pinellas County government or taxpayers. The nesting
site will consist of a 30ft x 30ft gravel surface with barriers to prevent least
tern chicks from falling off the edge of the roof. Decoys will also be placed in
the nesting area to attract breeding colonies.
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The Friends of Weedon Island plans to monitor the progress of the nesting site
as part of its mission to provide environmental education. These plans include monitoring the birds from adjacent observation decks and additional educational signage describing the species and conservation programs for preserving its habitat.
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An intern volunteer from Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners, has created an exhibit on Least Terns for the third floor at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. The exhibit focuses on declining Least Tern populations and their loss of habitat and includes a display case depicting a typical beach scene nesting area with color photos.
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Least Tern photo courtesy of Nature's Lore Photography.
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