Wye Marsh Projects

Rare Bird Species in the Wye Marsh Wildlife Area

Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) are a Species At Risk bird found within Wye Marsh that contribute to its designation as an Important Bird Area (IBA) – a part of a network of areas throughout the world that conserves habitat for birds whose numbers, health and habitat are threatened. Though nationally they are not at risk, they are listed as Provincially Vulnerable.

Accordingly, in the summer of 2004, Research Assistant Sarah Richer was hired to investigate the nesting success and population distribution of these two birds within the Wye Valley. This research took place thanks to the efforts of many volunteers aiding with the field work – our eternal gratitude to them! If you are interested in helping in any way, feel free to contact the Wye Marsh.

It was discovered that the Black Tern had established three separate nesting colonies within the marsh. A total of 17 nests were found in both Preston Cell and Mud Lake Cell, though evidence of many more were found as the nest searches started early July, late in the nesting season. Each nest averaged 2 - 3 eggs, and was built on top of the fragile piles of floating aquatic vegetation that Black Terns need for nesting, leaving their nests, eggs and young vulnerable to wave action and wind.

With the aggressive protests of the parents, the nests were monitored twice weekly, and several were confirmed to have successfully hatched. The chicks are capable of leaving their nest at 1 day old and camouflaging themselves in their surroundings.

Can you find the Black Tern chick hiding in this picture?