Results from the first monitoring of breeding terns in Kintai fishponds
06-06-2022
The first monitoring of the breeding terns in Kintai fishponds in Šilutė district was performed at the end of May. Birds were observed on 9 islands as well as on 3 artificial floating rafts, that remind the islands. During the first count 271 nest was found, including 138 on the rafts and 133 on the islands. Although the site does not lack natural islands, the artificial rafts are very important for the vital population as they are more protected from the predators, as well they do not overgrow with grass and woody vegetation. Due to very high water this year, a part of the nests was washed out as a result of wind and waves.
On the floating rafts the protection shelters were put. They prevent chicks from heat, rain or predators. At the end of May two additional rafts were brought to the Kintai fishponds. While they were not occupied during the first count of the breeding terns, it is expected that these artificial islands will be occupied with breeding Common terns during the second monitoring in June.
