The Terns are Unwelcome on Port Property

by Joe Meche

In the summer of 2009, Bellingham played host to a gathering of Caspian terns which nested on a small corner of the old Georgia- Pacific pulp mill site. Approximately 250 birds produced about 100 chicks which, for the most part, went unnoticed by the majority of the citizenry. In 2010, however, over ten times that many terns established the second largest nesting colony on the Pacific Coast and over 1,000 young terns fledged from the site by late September. News quickly spread about this phenomenal colony which became the talk of avid bird watchers and nature enthusiasts throughout Puget Sound.

Caspian terns are the largest members of the worldwide family of terns and are opportunistic nesters. They will scout actively in early spring to find a site that fits all the criteria needed for a successful breeding season. As fish eaters, they naturally focus on areas close to an available food source that also provides protection from land predators. While bald eagles will prey on the colonies, coyotes are more of a problem if the site is accessible to them. The Bellingham site apparently met all their requirements, and the colony became so large that it gained recognition from researchers at Oregon State University and Bird Research Northwest. In a well-synchronized effort at the end of July 2010, 252 chicks were banded and released back into the colony with no injuries to the birds or the banding crew.

From the success of last year, many in the environmental community were eager to see even larger numbers return this year. The potential for a boost to the local economy by visiting bird watchers alone would have been significant. The Port of Bellingham, however, wanted no part of this natural phenomenon and took measures to deter the birds from reestablishing another nesting colony on their property. The terns are in the area again this year but so far, no one knows where they might be nesting. It’s too bad there was no room for compromise, so an opportunity was squandered. §

There are many photos in this article that we were unfortunately unable to include in the online edition - please see the printed edition for a look at them.