Our Very Own Least Terns
Wildlife lovers are excited about the first Least Tern colony in Hancock County, in Waveland. Yet, cheers are tempered by the fact that - at least for now - the extremely vulnerable colony is unmarked and unprotected, subject to eradication by unaware beachgoers.
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Mozart Dedeaux and Ellis Anderson
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Mozart Dedeaux and Ellis Anderson
A Least Tern hatchling - extremely vulnerable to predators and intrusion from humans. photo by Mozart Dedeaux
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Waveland now has some special visitors who have taken up residence in a prime beachfront spot. Least Terns have established their first colony in Hancock County at Bienville Drive. The birds were first seen in early May.
Wildlife experts are happy to see the birds branch out beyond their long established nesting areas in Harrison County and are making plans to ensure the terns can nest safely in their new spot. “It’s exciting,” Sarah Pacyna, program director of the Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program. She said about 72 terns are nesting in 38 active nests in Waveland. There are about 40 small holes where birds can lay eggs. “It’s a fairly sizable colony for a new one,” she said. |
Beach to Bayou
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Unlike Harrison County Least Tern colonies, the new one in Waveland is not roped off or marked with signage. Only