Here’s the update as of  August 11, 2023. Currently, at least 44 known pairs with all nests hatched and 12 unfledged chicks, 33 from 13 pairs have successfully fledged.

“Least Terns” have unfledged chicks in the North and Central colonies.

Predators: There is a reduction in coyote tracks compared to the last few weeks. However, avian predator presence is still high.

The number one question from the public is when the beach will open. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer, and it is reevaluated in every survey as the broods have been moving quite a bit, either from predation pressure or crowding. Due to the number of storms this year, many pairs had to renest many times, resulting in the majority of hatches later in the season than typical, especially in the Northern and Southern parts of the Refuge.

Amy Kirkey (she/her)

Biological Technician

Parker River National Wildlife Complex