Common terns returned to Niedus Ornithological Reserve
15-06-2021
After a few years of proper management of the breeding habitats on the Niedus Lake island, the site became again attractive for terns. However, the breeding colony attracted Common cranes, who destroyed nests and offspring of terns and Black-headed gulls in 2018 and 2019. After this problem was detected, the Project team has decided to eliminate reed stands around the island during the winter, thus make the habitat less attractive for nesting of Common cranes. The island became more open and safer for breeding of Common terns.
While the monitoring results from 2020 were not promising, the last breeding season was a success, as at least 45 nests of Common terns were counted during the first two checks. The breeding season was the most successful during the last decade and the Project team hopes that the colony will grow in the future.
Photos by Marius Karlonas
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