Common Tern Project
Common Terns were once abundant throughout the St. Lawrence River Valley. However, populations of these graceful waterbirds with their distinctive call have dropped to dramatically low levels due to loss of nesting habitat. In fact, Common Terns are listed as a 'threatened' species in New York State.
To learn more about the Common Tern, visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's Common Tern page.
Volunteer Monitoring Partnership
Thanks to restoration and monitoring programs, common tern populations are slowing growing on the River.
Each year, Save The River teams up with the Thousand Islands Land Trust, Dr. Lee Harper of the St. Lawrence Bird Observatory, and numerous volunteers to monitor Common Tern nesting grounds on the River.
Each summer, Save The River volunteers monitor adopted tern nesting areas along the River. Volunteer responsibilities include:
- Monitor colonies weekly
- Observe clutch size (number of eggs) and nestling survivorship
- Assist with habitat restoration projects
- Compile data for annual report
Data gathered is critical to scientists studying common tern populations and also guides habitat restoration efforts.
Interested in Volunteering?
To learn more about the program and to volunteer, call Save The River or e-mail Sarah Walsh.
Latest News
Tern Season Comes to a Close
This summer was a successful one for terns on the River, with numbers at an all time high on the River as a whole. Save The River volunteers worked very hard this season along with our conservation partners the Thousand Island Land Trust (TILT) to increase avaiable nesting habitat on the River for terns as well ... read more
Tern Grids to Come Down as Season Draws to a Close; Volunteer Help Needed
Save The River’s Common Tern Monitoring Program draws to a close for another season. It was a successful year of habitat restoration on our sites and our volunteers did an excellent job conducting their annual monitoring on all seven of our nesting sites.
In preparation for the closing of the season Save The River and the ... read more
Attention Volunteers! Hold the Date – Volunteer Appreciation Event August 12th
Mark your calendars!
Save The River will be hosting our annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Thursday, August 12th from 5-7 p.m. at the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Rift Camp.
All Save The River volunteers are invited to join us for dinner and drinks as we thank and celebrate over 200 volunteers that make all of our programming happen, ... read more
Save The River makes way for terns
It is spring here on the River and Save The River has been busy preparing for the return of the Common Tern to the River. This small water bird is a New York State threatened species and has needed a little help over the years to keep populations healthy on the St. Lawrence River.
Save The ... read more
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