Directing Nest Site Selection of Least Terns and Piping Plovers

Abstract

Abstract Endangered Interior Least Terns (Sterna antillarum athalassos) and threatened Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) nest in Nebraska at gravel mines where they are vulnerable to disturbance and nest loss. Conflicts occur when their nesting and protected status delay mining activities. The possibility of shifting nesting from active to inactive mining areas by using a deterrent (mylar flagging), an attractant (gravel and driftwood spread on bare sand), and a control (untreated sand) was evaluated. Experimental plots (mean 0.36 ha) were established at 18 different gravel mines, twelve in 2000 and seven (one repeat) in 2001 along the Platte and Elkhorn rivers prior to nesting season. Of 117 tern nests, 73% were in attractant, 2% in deterrent, and 26% in control plots. Of 23 plover nests, 61% were in attractant, 9% in deterrent, and 30% in control. Colonies used plots containing less vegetation and more driftwood than unused plots. Within control plots, both tern and plover nests were surrounded by mor...