Never Ending Nesting

In the field, you learn to expect the unexpected. While working in a section of the C44 Reservoir, I noticed a large flock of Least Terns displaying classic nesting behavior in an area that was perfect for them—white sand speckled with bits of black, providing the ideal camouflage for their eggs. Recognizing what was happening, I set up a buffer and let the crew know they’d have to wait three months before working in that spot.

Everything went as expected—eggs were laid, hatchlings emerged, and soon, tiny fledglings were testing their wings. As the nesting period neared its end, I was preparing to reopen the area. Then, something strange happened. The Least Terns started displaying nesting behavior again. That wasn’t supposed to happen—they were finished. I had never seen this before.

It didn’t take long to figure out why. A new flock of Least Terns had arrived, and they had no intention of giving up this prime nesting ground. They were just as determined to raise their young in the same location as the first group.

With that realization, I had to break the news to the construction crew—we were going to have to stay out of that area for another three months.

Nature runs on its own timeline, and sometimes, patience is the only option.