Thirty-one Little Tern chicks have fledged at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, despite threats posed by the sometimes-predatory Silver Gulls which swooped down in December actively hunting eggs and chicks.
Hundreds of Little Terns arrived at the site last October and wasted no time in pairing up for breeding season.
They migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both state and federal threatened species legislation.
In in a first for the Central Coast, two pairs of nesting Fairy Terns were discovered among the little ones.
These are more commonly found further south and their arrival provided an opportunity for Central Coast Council staff to observe the different calls and behaviours of the closely-related birds.
In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Biodiversity and Conservation Division, Council installed robust temporary fencing and signage around the breeding area to protect the eggs and chicks.
There were grave fears for their safety when large numbers of Silver Gull arrived on site.
Despite the Gulls, 31 Little Tern chicks were confirmed as having fledged.
While 31 is lower than the previous two seasons (56 and 96 respectively), the site is still rated as the second highest performing in NSW.
Council thanked residents for being respectful of the breeding site.
Council’s best practice management at Karagi Point, supported by the community, has resulted in record-breaking breeding success and is significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.
The project is also supported in part by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.
Source:
Central Coast Council Facebook page