News

Registration to the LIFE TERNS International Seminar and Conference is open (18-20 October in Vilnius)

We are pleased to inform about two upcoming international events organized by the LIFE TERNS project: a seminar coupled with a field visit and a conference. The events are scheduled for 18-20 October in Vilnius. We warmly invite everyone interested in protection of Common and Little Terns to participate.

Photo exhibition “Terns – graceful shuttles” in Veisiejai

The mobile photo exhibition “Terns – graceful shuttles” continues its tour through the protected territories of the countrie. It is currently exhibited in the visitors’ center of Veisiejai Regional Park in Veisiejai. We invite everyone who is interested in nature to visit the exhibition in Veisiejai and to learn more about the terns living in our region.

Photo exhibition in the visitors’ centre of Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve

Lithuanian Ornithological Society has organised photo competition “Terns – graceful shuttles”. The competition aims to educate society and promote protection of the terns. Nature photographers could submit photos of all species of the terns.

Meeting in Rieškutėnai

The Lithuanian Ornithological Society organised a meeting and discussion “The future prospects of the conservation of the terns. The necessary conservation actions in the areas important for their protection in the Eastern Aukštaitija” on 25 August in Rieškutėnai Craft Center.

Sucsesfull breeding of terns in the Nemunas Loops Regional Park

One of the aims of the LIFE TERNS project is to restore breeding habitats of the Little and Common tern that degrade due to the overgrowing by gasses and bushes and to ensure long-term conservation of the species. Only sandy or low-grass habitats of the water bodies are suitable for the breeding of the Common and Little Terns.

Photo exhibition “Terns – graceful shuttles” in Directorates of Pavilniai and Verkiai Regional Parks

The terns are the most common by the rivers, lakes, fishery ponds, the Curonian Lagoon and at the Baltic seaside. While some solitary couples can be observed in the natural areas of Vilnius, such as Buivydiškiai and Zujūnai ponds and the Nėris river.

CINEA representative visited project‘s sites

7th -28th June 2022, the CINEA representative Ms Maria Jose Aramburu visited Lithuania. Together with the monitoring group expert Ms Viktorija Maceikaite she evaluated the progress achieved so far. She was interested in what challenges are encountered during the implementation of the LIFE projects.

Invitation to the photo exhibition and presentation of book about terns

We have please to invite to the photo exhibition and presentation of the book about terns at the Vilnius city municipality on 30th June, 2022 at 4  p.m. (Konstitucijos ave. 3, 2nd floor). 

Live translation from the colony of terns!

We invite you to watch a livestream from the colony if terns in Nemunas Loops Regional Park!

Watch here  https://www.lifeterns.lt/zuvedru_transliacija

Results from the first monitoring of breeding terns in Kintai fishponds

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.

CINEA representative visited project‘s sites

27th -28th June 2022, the CINEA representative Ms Maria Jose Aramburu visited Lithuania. Together with the monitoring group expert Ms Viktorija Maceikaite she evaluated the progress achieved so far.

Pontoon rafts in the Lake Sartai attract birds

Good news from the Lake Sartai! The pontoon rafts, that were not so popular during the firsts projects years are finally appreciated by terns – the first pairs have been noticed by the staff of the Regional Park administration. The feeding conditions in the Eastern part of Lithuania are favourable, however this part of country lacks suitable breeding grounds. It is expected that terns will choose artificial islands. The exact location of the rafts have been selected by the Regional park employees.

Spring is coming

The island of Nemunas river near Lipliūnai settlement are full of life. The areas, which were flooded for several months, are open now and waiting for terns to return. Lithuanian ornithological society has implemented major management action in 2020 when the channel between the island and mainland was deepened. It seems that it was very smart decision, as the island became unreachable for predators, such as foxes or racoon dogs and already welcomes numerous bird species – mallards, Common mergansers, Eurasian teals, Common goldeneyes, Eurasian wigeons, Great egrets and others.  

Practical management on islands of Niedus and Veisiejai Lakes

Project staff continued practical management works on the islands of Niedus and Veisiejai Lakes. Habitat managers removed high vegetation as well as reed stands about the islands.

Practical management on Lake Kretuonas island

Suitable weather conditions allowed to perform practical conservation activities on Lake Kretuonas Dižioji island – project staff removed reed stands. It creates breeding habitats not only for terns, but also for rare wader species. Lake Kretuonas island is one of the most important breeding sites of Common Tern in the country.

A new colourful calendar for 2022

A new calendar for 2022 was prepared by the project. Every month you’ll learn more about birds species that live next to the terns. Text is written by Eugenijus Drobelis, famous Lithuanian naturalist and photographer.

On the other side of the world

Winter is a time of darkness in Lithuania and most of the birds left the country. Common and Little terns also migrate every year to Africa.

Practical management of islands in Novaraistis ornithological reserve

Project staff continued practical management works in Novaraistis ornithological reserve, where the wooded vegetation was removed, as well as reed stands cut for creation of breeding habitats for terns and waders.

Have you tried the mobile app LifeTerns?

A tern or a gull? Most people do not recognise these birds as they look for them similar. A simple App will help you to identify terns’ species found in Lithuania.

Download terns’ photos!

When it’s dark outside, more light and colours into your life can bring terns’ photos of the best Lithuanian photographers! Visit project’s website www.lifeterns.lt  and download the photos!

Practical management works in Kalviai gravel pit SPA

October is a suitable month for practical management of islands in the Kalviai gravel pit.

Floating artificial islands – for improvement of the ecosystems’ status

In the frame of the LIFELagoons project, a seminar „Perspectives of the artificial floating islands in Lithuania” was held in Klaipeda University on October 21st, 2021.

Terns returned to Kalviai

The project partner JSC “Eko stoma” implemented large scale restoration works at the exploited gravel pit in Kalviai. Vegetation was removed from the islands and the surface was covered with additional gravel. These changes were positively accepted by terns, and they returned to breed to the abandoned habitat. Watch the story directed by Vytautas Jankevičius

Practical management of islands in South of Lithuania

The Lithuanian Ornithological Society continues practical management of Niedus Lake islands. The habitat managers removed high vegetation and shrubs from the islands.

A successful breeding season in Nemunas delta

The last terns’ breeding season was not successful in Nemunas delta, as birds started to breed only on one island of the river, which is located in Russia, and unfortunately the nests were destroyed afterwards.

New islands for terns in Nemunas river

A few open sandy islands and beaches were established in the lower course of Nemunas river by the Project partner the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority.

Watch a movie about the terns!

A new movie about the terns has been created by Vytautas Jankevičius. It reflects a few years of the project, including practical management works and monitoring activities in various sites of the country – islands of Nemunas river, Kretuonas Lake island, Novaraistis ornithological reserve and Kalviai gravel pit SPA

Common terns returned to Niedus Ornithological Reserve

After a few years of proper management of the breeding habitats on the Niedus Lake island, the site became again attractive for terns.

Terns’ breeding on the islands of Nemunas river

With the first days of the summer, Common and Little terns started to breed on the islands of Nemunas river. For protection of these rare birds two sites have been designated at the Nemunas Loops Regional Park as Natura 2000 areas.

Lithuanian Ornithological Society at the Green ideas’ festival

The LOD staff participated at the Green ideas’ festival, which was initiated by the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, on 5th of June at the Presidential Palace.

Project Monitoring visit

The Project External Monitor Viktorija Maceikaitė has visited Project areas in Aukštaitija region, Kretuonas Lake, Sartai Lake and Vasaknos fishponds SPAs.

Live stream from the Common terns’ colony!

Follow terns’ life from Nemunas Loops Regional Park online – it’s a unique opportunity to follow these tiny birds not leaving your desk!

Pontoon rafts for terns in Lake Sartai

The pontoon rafts for terns in Lake Sartai are ready for the upcoming breeding season. These platforms are covered with a layer of gravel, protective shelters will provide protection for chicks from sun and predators.

Protective shelters and signboards In Novaraistis

The project staff brought protective shelters for chicks and signboards in Novaraistis. These protective measures will be distributed in all project sites before the breeding season starts. Caspian gulls and Northern lapwings already breed, soon the Black-headed gulls and Common terns will settle the territory.

Radio quiz with Lithuanian ornithological Society

Radio quiz with Lithuanian Ornithological Society

A Little Tern – back to the homeland

Tis spring is rather cold in Lithuania, however the first Little terns were observed in their regular breeding places.

Floating rafts in Kintai renewed

The floating rafts in Kintai fishponds, Nemunas Delta, were renewed by the project‘s ornithologists before the terns‘ breeding season mid-April. A new natural cover was put on the rafts, as well as protective shelter for the terns’ chicks. It is expected that these improvements will be noticed and appreciated by the birds.

Islands in lakes Veisiejai and Niedus: maintenance completed

This year nature management work of habitats on islands  in lakes Veisiejai and Niedus has been done twice.

Changing situation at Lipliūnai

In two years droughts exhausted nature – water abated in rivers and lakes, bogs and swamps. Deep snow that came later in winter gave a hope that in early spring soil will be watered.

Check your knowledge, try the mobile application LifeTerns!

A turn or a gull? Many people get confused to recognise these birds. The mobile application will assist  to learn them, and together with terns you will be able to take a long flight, to solve tests, engage in live observation of their lives and get acquainted with rare terns breeding in Lithuania and their sites.

Winter activities in the Nemunas delta

Maintenance activities are carried out on islands of the Kintai fish ponds – bushes, reeds and reed mace are cut down. The Nemunas delta is an important habitat for Little and Common terns. More than 100  pairs of Little terns used to settle in  the delta before 2000, however, only 30 breeding pairs are found lately.

Nature management activities in lake Niedus

The Lithuanian Ornithological Society has been implementing  the EU LIFE  Project Adjustment of key stakeholders’ capacity for improvement of Common and Little terns conservation status in Lithuania, No. LIFE17 NAT/LT/000545.

Reed beds are formed on islands of lake Kretuonas

The Lithuanian Ornithological Society has been implementing  the EU LIFE  Project Adjustment of key stakeholders’ capacity for improvement of Common and Little terns conservation status in Lithuania, No. LIFE17 NAT/LT/000545.

Major work forming habitats for terns

In 2019 – 2020, the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority performed impressive work forming habitats for terns. In the segment of the Nemunas river between Kulautuva and Smalininkai 10 islands and a beach were produced depositing soil.

A new nature calendar Habitats of Common and Little Terns 2021

Approaching to the end of 2020 a new nature calendar presenting habitats of Common and Little terns was published. The calendar acquaints with special protection areas for terns – Nemunas‘ islands, Novaraistis, Kretuonas, islands in lakes Niedus and Veisiejai, the Kalviai gravel-pit and other sites.

To the Moon and back

Some time ago it was thought that the Arctic tern migrating from the Arctic to Antarctica and back flies from 35 000 to 40 000 km. However, a decade ago it was established that these birds cover much longer distances.

Important message

Earlier we  wrote several times about the site preferred by birds on islands in the Nemunas river at Lipliūnai, near Druskininkai.

Practical management of islands in Southern Lithuania

The project staff continues practical management of project sites. The weather conditions are very suitable for removal of high and woody vegetation from the Nemunas river island near Lipliunai settlement.

The second Project Steering Committee meeting

The second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was organised on the last day of September in Birštonas. The project partners and members of the PSC were informed about the project progress 2019-2020.

Practical conservation actions in Dzūkija region

The project staff continued practical habitats management actions in Niedus and Veisiejai Lakes SPA (LTLAZB001) – vegetation is removed around the lake’s island.

A special focus to the terns’ conservation issues during the annual meeting of the LOD members

A special focus to the terns’ conservation issues was emphasised by the project staff during the annual meeting of the LOD members, which was held in Kintai September 5-6, 2020.

Practical conservation actions in Kalviai gravel pit

The project partners continued practical conservation actions in Kalviai gravel pit – the islands, poured during the previous seasons were covered with sand and gravel.

Late terns’ breeding in Kintai

The usual start of the Common terns’ breeding season is late May, just after the long journey from the wintering grounds. However, sometimes the season takes much longer.

Practical management actions on the islands near Lipliūnai settlement

The project staff continued practical management activities on the Nemunas river island near Lipliūnai settlement – the high woody vegetation was removed and thus open areas, suitable as breeding habitats, created. Th habitats managers also continues practical management activities in other SPA.

TV news about the situation in Vasaknos fishponds

Watch the TV news about the situation in Vasaknos fishponds – decision of the owners has caused destructive consequences to the breeding colony of terns.

Research activities

This breeding season 45 birds were equipped with the transmitters, which help to explain unknown facts about the terns’ behaviour. Watch a short video about this activity

Project’s ornithologist Marius Karlonas at the national radio

The project’s ornithologist Marius Karlonas during the morning show of the national radio LRT discussed the destructive influence of the hydrological drought on the nature. He also presented the practical conservation measures, applied by the LOD, which help terns to successfully raise the young generation.

The project’s communication specialist Gediminas Petkus at the morning show

The project’s communication specialist Gediminas Petkus was invited as a special guest to the Delfi TV morning show.

The protective shelters and warning signs were collected after the breeding season

After the terns’ breeding season the protective shelters and warning signs were collected by the LOD staff.

Practical management works on the islands of Kalviai gravel pit

One the LIFE TERNS project’s emphasis – practical management of the breeding areas of Common and Little terns.

The project discussed formation of new islands in the Lowland of Nemunas river

The Project‘s partners from the Lithuanian Ornithological Society and The State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority organised a joint trip to the Lowland of Nemunas river.

The Vasaknos fish-ponds SPA terns’ colony destroyed twice during the breading season

The Vasaknos fish-ponds SPA was established as NATURA 2000 site in 2004. The Common terns breeding on the floating turf islands, which make this area unique on the country scale.

Unusual colony of Common Tern in Elektrėnai

At the beginning of July (2020.07.05), the project ornithologist Julius Morkūnas has observed an unusual concentration of Common Tern in the artificial Lake near Elektrėnai.

Unpredictable terns’ journeys

It has been already written that several dozens of terns were equipped with the GPS transmitters. The main aim of this action – to collect important data about their feeding, roosting and breeding areas.

A success year for the Žuvintas Lake birds

Žuvintas Lake is full of voices and life – the breeding season was the most successful during the last decade.

One more colony of terns on the roof

The data analysis from the GPS transmitters constantly provides interesting new facts. Last data analysis showed some inexplicable flights of some birds to Marijampole.

Life on the roof

The data analysis from the GPS transmitters’ disclosed interesting facts about Common terns’ behaviour. The terns were equipped in the colony of the Nemunas river island near Prienai, however every evening a few birds were flying app.

All GPS transmitters were affixed to the Common terns

The last GPS transmitters were affixed to the Common terns breeding on the island of the Lake Kretuonas. The birds were equipped with the same type of transmitters as in other project areas.

Livestream from Lake Kretuonas island

The breeding season has reached its peak and a new generation can be seen in some of the Common terns’ nests. Watch a livestream from the Lake Kretuonas – it is a unique opportunity to follow the breeding season of the Common Tern.

The first Common terns were equipped with the GPS transmitters

The first nine Common terns were equipped with the GPS transmitters. These transmitters are very light and weight just 3 grams. The birds were trapped and equipped by the professional ornithologists on the islands of Nemunas river between Prienai and Lengveniškes on 21st of May.

The river bottom deepening near Lipliunai is coming to an end

In 2009 – 2010 the population of Little Tern has reached the biggest number ever registered on the site – 55 pairs were breeding on the sandy island in Nemunas river near Lipliunai.

Eurasian Oystercatchers breed on the islands of Nemunas river

The project team has installed warning signs and protective shelters for chicks of terns on the islands in Middle Course of Nemunas river. They have observed not only Common and Little terns, but also breeding Eurasian Oystercatchers.

Sheep help birds of Kretuonas lake island

Over 100 sheep of an old Lithuanian breed have been moved to Kretuonas Lake island. These sheep are very resistant to diseases and hash weather conditions, they can feed on the grasses, that are not suitable for other varieties.

Mobile App – for better recognition of terns

A tern or a gull? Unfortunately, most of the people still do not recognise these birds. LITE TERS has developed an App, which will help you to identify terns and will provide more valuable information about breeding terns in Lithuania.

Common and Little terns coming back to the breeding sites

The birds are coming back after wintering – the first sightings of Common Tern this year were registered by Saulius Karalius at the Lithuanian seacoast on 8th of April. On April 24th the first sightings of Little Tern (3 birds) at the same place were registered by the same ornithologist.

First sightings in Nemunas island near Lipliūnai

Empty during winter and full of life in spring – Nemunas island near Lipliūnai settlement is already inhabited by various species of birds.

Outcomes of the photo competition

In April 2019, the Lithuanian ornithological society announced the photo competition – photographers were asked to submit photos of the tern species, that are found in Lithuania.

First sighting of Common Tern

April 8th brought the first sighting of Common Tern - 6 migrating birds were observed at the coastal Lithuania, Curonian spit, by Saulius Karalius. This is a usual time for the first sightings of the species. Below you can find the date of the first sightings from the 5 last years.

Floating rafts are already waiting for terns

The project continues practical conservation actions in the Lake Sartai – three pontoon rafts were delivered by the staff of the JSC “Storasis ąžuolas” to the designated places in the lake. For these rafts a remote and quiet place was selected.

Warning signs and protective shelters are being installed

Warning signs and protective shelters are being installed in Nemunas rivers islands near Lipliūnai settlement as well as in Novaraistis ornithological reserve. The protective shelters are one of the most important tools protecting chicks from the predators. These protective measures will be installed in all project sites before the breeding season.

New islands in Nemunas river

The associated partner the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority continues practical conservation actions, which are foreseen in the framework of the project.

Common Tern – still regularly seen, although declining

In the magazine “Paukščiai” (“Birds“) we published an article about the Common Tern – Common Tern – still regularly seen, although declining.

Practical conservation actions in Kalviai gravel pit and Novaraistis ornithological reserve

During January and February, the project staff of the Coordinating beneficiary Lithuanian ornithological society has performed practical conservation actions on the islands of the Kalviai gravel pit and Novaraistis ornithological reserve.

The terns’ calendar for 2020

The Lithuanian ornithological society has published a calendar for the year 2020. The calendar is illustrated with high quality photos of tern species, which are registered in Lithuania.

On the other side of the world

Winter is a time of darkness in Lithuania and most of the birds left the country. Common and Little terns also migrate every year to Africa.

Practical conservation actions on the islands in Nemunas Loops Regional Park completed

n the frame of the project it was planned to perform practical conservation actions in Nemunas river between Prienai and Lengveniškes SPA, which has been designated for protection of Common and Little terns in the Nemunas Loops Regional Park.

Significant changes of the Lake Niedus island

The Lake Niedus island is known many years as a breeding site for a large colony of the Black-headed gulls and Common terns.

Practical conservation action on the Nemunas island near Pelėšiškės settlement are completed

The Associated Partner Nemunas Loops Regional Park administration was responsible for restoration of the breeding habitats on the Nemunas river island near Pelėšiškės settlement.

Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai are ready for the return of birds

The breeding season 2019 showed that Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai, which are situated close to  the stage border with Beralus, are an important breeding site for Common and Little Terns and in spring this area was occupied by large colony of terns. However due to the summer draught, a part of chicks didn’t survive.

Seminar at Nemunas Delta Regional Park

On October 14, 2019, the LOD in cooperation with project partners organised a seminar “Conservation perspectives of Common and Little terns”, which involved participation of the local stakeholders from the Nemunas Delta Regional Park.

Conservation actions completed on the Kretuonas Lake island

All conservation actions on the Kretuonas Lake island, foreseen to be implemented in the framework of the LIFE TERNS project, were completed on the second half of October.

Practical conservation actions started at the riverbed section of Nemunas river between Prienai and Lengveniškes settlement

At the SPA, established for protection of terns, the riverbed section of Nemunas river between Prienai and Lengveniškes settlement, the practical conservation actions – restoration of the degraded breeding habitats of terns, started implementation in September. These actions are implemented in the framework of the LIFE TERNS project.

New islands for terns in Nemunas river

One of the associated project partners is the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority, which following the Decree of the Lithuanian Government is responsible for supervision of the inland waterways of national importance and seeks to secure safe navigation conditions.

Nature management activities on the Lake Kretuonas island

Unusual activities were carried out on the Lake Kretuonas island – an artificial gravel and sand beach covering 500 m2 is being established as breeding site for terns. Previously the island was used for pasturing and this activity formed a mosaic of grasslands and sandy areas.

Practical conservation actions in Lipliūnai

Seeking to improve breeding consitions of breeding Common and Little terns, practical conservation actions are being perfomed at the Nemunas rives island near Lipliūnai settlement. Habitats managers removing shrubs and high vegetation. Further practical conservation actions are sheduled in Kalviai.

Practical conservation actions in Niedus

Practical conservation actions are being implemented in various project site. Currently high vegetation is removed from the island in Lake Niedus (Niedus and Veisiejai Lakes SPA (LTLAZB001). Practical conservation actions are scheduled to be implemented in various project sites in the nearest future.

Practical conservation actions in Kalviai gravel pit

Kalviai gravel pit in Klaipeda district was formed, when layers of gravel were exploited, and an open quarry of 37,6 ha was flooded with water. The artificial water body also contained a few small islands with the biggest one of 0,1 ha size.

Practical conservation in Kretuonas Lake main island

A success story of Kretuonas Lake main island is widely known in Lithuania. The island was overgrown with trees and scrubs and with joint efforts of Lithuanian ornithological society (LOD), Administration of Aukštaitija National Park and numerous volunteers, the site was brought to life.

Warning signs and shelters are collected after the breeding season

Warning signs and shelters after the terns’ breeding season are collected from Nemunas river islands near Vilkija, Raudonė, Kulautuva.

Registration to the seminar “Common and Little terns conservation perspectives” is open!

Lithuanian ornithological society in cooperation with the project partners State Enterprise Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority, Nemuno Kilpos Regional Park Administration and JSC “EKO-STOMA” organising a seminar “Common and Little terns conservation perspectives”.

Project’s seminar in Birštonas

Lithuanian ornithological society in cooperation with the project partners State Enterprise Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority, Nemuno Kilpos Regional Park Administration and JSC “EKO-STOMA” on July 30, 2019, in Birštonas organised a seminar “Conservation perspectives of Common and Little terns”.

Practical conservation actions in Lipliūnai

An intense grass moving is applied on the islands near Lipliūnai with the aim to enlarge areas covered by open habitats as such type of habitats is suitable and important for Common and Little terns.

Last pairs of terns still occupy islands of Nemunas river

The breeding season of Common and Little terns is coming to an end. On most of the islands of Nemunas river the young generation of terns already left their nests, however some pairs still can be observed with chicks or incubating eggs.

Project was presented during the monitoring visit

On 20-21 June 2019, the external monitoring team - Viktorija Maceikaitė and Rūta Kuriene met project staff – representatives of the Lithuanian ornithological society, Inland Waterways Authority and Administration of Nemunas Kilpos Regional Park.

Destructive consequences of the drought

The long-lasting drought in Dzukija region has caused significant negative impact on the biodiversity. Due to the extremely low water of Nemunas river, the colony of the Black-headed gulls, Common and Little terns on islands near Lipliūnai faced destructive changes.

Significant changes at Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai

Lithuanian ornithological society has already implemented practical management works on Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai. The ongoing project will ensure good habitats condition in a long-term perspective. It must be admitted, that already this year significant increase of population and birds’ composition was observed.

Islands of Nemunas river are full of life

The breeding period is coming to the end, however islands and shallows of Nemunas river still attract waterfowl. Numerous species can be observed in this unique environment: Common and Little terns, Black-headed gulls, Little Ringed plovers, Common sandpipers, various species of ducks and other birds.  

Eurasian Oystercatchers breed in the middle course of Nemunas river

In our country Eurasian Oystercatchers are met more often in Nemunas delta and at the seacoast. However, this year a few pairs of Eurasian Oystercatchers were observed on the islands of the middle course of Nemunas river. One nest was found next to the warning sign, it seems that birds considered this place to be the safest for breeding.

Common and Little terns’ monitoring in two Special Protected Areas of Nemunas river

Project’s Associated Partner Nemuno kilpos Regional Park Administration started monitoring activities of the Common and Little terns’ breeding success and breeding habitats in two Special Protected Areas (SPAs) of Nemunas river: a riverbed section of Nemunas river between Prienai and Legveniskes settlement and a riverbed section of Nemunas river between Pelesiskes and Balbieriskes settlements.

Monitoring of Common Terns at Novaraistis Ornithological Reserve

The first monitoring visit to Novaraistis Ornithological Reserve was performed on June 2, 2019. In the frame of the project, a few open peat islands were restored, and this season Common Terns settled three of them separately from Caspian Gulls, that occupied large islands of the peatland. The biggest colony with 65 pairs of Common Tern settled down on the island, which is in the western part of the peatland.

The second monitoring of Common and Little Terns in the riverbed section of Nemunas between Kulautuva and Jurbarkas

On June 26, the Project staff carried out the second monitoring of the riverbed section of Nemunas river between Kulautuva and Jurbarkas.

Terns’ monitoring results from the islands of Nemunas river

Monitoring of breeding Common and Little Terns was performed already twice at the riverbed section of Nemunas river between Kulautuva and Smalininkai settlements.

The first Project Monitoring Committee meeting

The first Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) meeting took place in Vilnius on June 18, 2019, with the presence of the Project partners and representatives of the Ministry of Environment.

The first Common terns’ chicks hatching

At the end of May, when the last Common terns still laying the eggs, the early birds already feed their chicks. On May 27, the project staff has visited 2 breeding sites of Common Tern on the islands of Kalviai gravel pit (Klaipeda district) and on the artificial rafts in Raseiniai fishponds.

Floating rafts for Common Tern were installed in Sartai Regional Park

Three special floating rafts for Common terns were installed in the Lake Sartai near Dusetos settlement. The place was chosen close to the colony of the Black-headed gulls. These two species often breed in close neighbourhood, as collective defence helps against the predators.

Terns‘ habitats restoration in Nemuno kilpos Regional Park

The degraded breeding habitats in two NATURA 2000 sites designated for protection of Common and Little Terns in Nemuno Kilpos Regional Park - Nemunas between Prienai and Lengveniškes and Nemunas between Pelėšiškes and Balbieriškis -  will be restored within the project and the favourable conditions of the habitats will be constantly kept.

On newly formed island near Vilkija – first breeding birds

The newly poured island in the Nemunas river near Vilkija is already occupied by the first inhabitants. App. 15 pairs of Little Tern settled down on the island and started laying the eggs. The first pairs of the Black-headed gulls and Little ringed plovers were observed too.

First monitoring of breeding Common terns was performed in Niedus ornithological reserve

The first detailed monitoring of the breeding terns in Niedus ornithological reserve was performed on May 21, 2019. Previously only preliminary observations were done, including the total abundance on the breeding site and time of return from the wintering grounds.

For Little and Common terns - an island in Nemunas river near Vilkija

A few years ago, in Nemunas river a sandy island near Vilkija has formed, which was immediately occupied by birds. This year a new small island next to the big one started to form. After the discussion with the project partner – the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority (VVKD), a decision was taken to expand and to form significantly larger island for birds for this year’s breeding season. The practical works, as its foreseen in the project application, will be implemented by the VVKD.

Project partners discussed practical conservation actions in Nemunas lower reaches

On May 16, 2019, members of the LOD together with the staff from the State Enterprise Inland Waterways Authority (VVKD) and Nemunas delta regional park administration, organised a joint boat trip in Nemunas river.

Terns have returned to Nemunas islands near Lipliūnai and Niedus lake

This winter Lithuanian ornithological society has implemented practical management works on Nemunas islands near Lipliūnai settlement and immediate results were seen sunny morning of May 6 - ornithologists observed on the islands not only Black-headed gulls, but also around 15 pairs of Common Tern, as well as similar number of pairs of Little Tern.

Promising results of practical management works in Nemunas river islands

In the period of 2008-2011, from 10 to 30 pairs of Little Tern were breeding on Nemunas river islands. Some years the islands or riversides were inhabited by similar number of Common Tern. However, due to the overgrow of islands with vegetation, the number of breeding pairs of Little Tern has significantly decreased. As a result, five years ago only individual pairs were breeding there.

Take part at photo competition about terns!

Lithuanian ornithological society (LOD) in cooperation with the project partners organises photo competition about terns with the aim to raise public awareness on the conservation issues of the species.

Grynas.lt reportage about the project actions in Novaraistis

Watch grynas.lt reportage about practical conservation actions, performed this winter in Novaraitis, which is one of eleven project’s sites.

Practical habitats conservation actions in January-February

The main project’s objective is to improve the conservation status of the common and little terns breeding populations in Lithuania by the proper maintenance of their breeding habitats within SPAs network Practical conservation actions in January-February were performed at Kretuonas lake (LTSVEB003), Nemunas delta (LTSLUB001), Novaraistis (LTSAKB001), Niedus and Veisiejai lakes (LTLAZB001). 

LIFE Programme allocated funds for protection of Common and Little terns in Lithuania

Lithuanian ornithological society (LOD) signed a grant agreement with the EU for protection of common and little tern in the framework of the project “Adjustment of key stakeholders’ capacity for improvement of Common and Little terns conservation status in Lithuania” LIFE17 NAT/LT/000545. 

National stakeholders were invited to the project launch event on November 6, 2018

The project launch event was organised on November 6, 2018, in the National Visitors Centre at the State Service for Protected Areas. Staff of the LOD presented the project, financed by the EU LIFE Programme, the key conservation, monitoring and public awareness and dissemination actions, as well as project’s targets.