Children and adults learn about least terns from Refuges Biological Science Technician Kevin Lowry.

Self-proclaimed wildlife nut Timmy shows off local crayfish prior to learning about least terns.

Least terns nest on Swan Pond Road, Jackson County, Illinois.

Least terns nest on Swan Pond Road, Jackson County, Illinois.

Swan Pond Road, in Jackson County, Illinois, was closed and informational signs posted to protect nesting least terns.

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, 20 children from the community of Jacob, Illinois in southwestern Illinois had an up close look at the endangered interior least tern.  Flooding along the Mississippi River since March has forced this bird species, which normally nests on sandbars, to seek nesting habitat elsewhere.  Near Jacob, suitable habitat happened to be a local township road. Pea-sized gravel on the road provides suitable substrate for the terns to develop nest scrapes and deposit speckled eggs, which blend into the gravel.  Also important is the presence of extensive flood water on largely agricultural land, formerly Swan Pond, located on both sides of the road.  These flood waters are providing an abundant supply of fish for feeding, as well as protection from some predators.

Staff from the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge first noticed least terns in the area at the end of May and notified the Marion, Illinois, Ecological Services Field Office.  After visiting the site in early June, it was agreed that the site should be monitored to determine if nesting would occur or if the birds would move on elsewhere.  A few days later, nesting was confirmed on the road when refuge staff located two nest scrapes with eggs.  Unfortunately, refuge staff also confirmed that least terns were being killed by vehicle traffic on the road.

Consequently, on June 19th, staff from Ecological Services, Refuges and the Division of Law Enforcement met with the local township road commissioner and the county highway engineer to discuss the situation with birds nesting on the road and the hazards posed by local traffic.  Following discussions of various options, it was agreed that closing the road provided the best option for protecting the birds.  Since that time, the local community response has been varied with a few vocal individuals strongly opposed to the road closure.  However, most residents seem to be either supportive or at least neutral.  A detour of approximately 2.5 miles for most residents is a minor inconvenience.

In order to raise awareness in the local community regarding the importance of protecting this endangered species, the Middle Mississippi River NWR and Marion Field Office sponsored an informational program to educate local residents, particularly children.  Approximately 42 residents attended the Saturday program which was enjoyed by 20 children.  Refuge Biological Sciences Technician Kevin Lowry presented a very interactive program regarding migratory birds and least terns.  He demonstrated nesting behavior using a least tern plush toy, which both children and adults alike found amusing.  Following the program, children and adults had the opportunity to view the least terns up close using spotting scopes.  The least terns cooperated by sitting on the road in plain site and also providing aerial displays and at times fishing close to the crowd.