[Tweeters] Caspian Terns, East Sand Is., Pacific Cty.

[dbbwolf at hevanet.com]

The "decimation" of the Caspian Tern colony is, like all environmental 
issues, 
a very complex one. I encourage those interested to investigate, call 
the 
agencies involved, and ask questions before jumping to any conclusions. 
The 
agencies involved have to juggle the dual imperatives to protect salmon 
runs 
and also protect local populations of birds. Historically, Caspian 
Terns nested 
in colonies of 100 pairs or less all up and down the coastline. There's 
about 
10,000 terns on East Sand Island at last count and this is an unnatural 
situation. Yes, human settlement has created this natural situation, 
but the 
ultimate goal is to have many small colonies along the coast. At this 
point, 
one disease outbreak could decimate the East Sand Island colony in one 
season. 
It is important to encourage nesting in other suitable locations. A 
research 
team led by a OSU professor has been investigating the terns breeding 
behavior 
and their effect on salmon smolts for about 5 years.  Please visit the 
website to learn more: http://www.columbiabirdresearch.org/ 

Jason
Wolf