Least Tern Decoys
|
| Click on the
thumbnail to display image |
 |
Least Tern - Solid, injection molded, 1/4" hole for
wooden dowel.
This was the bird that started it all. In 1990 Mad River
Decoy contracted to make 900 Least Tern decoys for the U.S.
Navy and Department of Defense to relocate Least Terns, which
were getting killed while nesting on the runways at North
Island Naval Air Station, San Diego, CA. Clearly, the birds
needed a more suitable nesting alternative! To this end, 20
acres of the air station were fenced off and made into desirable
nesting habitat. Decoys were placed in the area as an enticement;
Least Terns left the runways and took up residence in their
new “home” with a goal of 1,200 breeding pairs.
As of 2005, it is estimated that there are 8,000 breeding
pairs.
The project was so successful that other agencies and organizations
including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vandenberg Air
Force Base and municipalities along the California coast set
up similar programs. Over 15 agencies and organizations in
California have used Least Tern decoys for re-establishing
or moving colonies. Least Tern decoys have been or are being
used in Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, North
Carolina, Rhode Island and Texas. They are also used by nature
centers and educational organizations.
|
