Nesting Least Terns

In the summer months, Least Terns breed on beaches all over Cape Cod. This video shows a small breeding colony on a beach overlooking Vineyard Sound. Least Terns are smaller than Common Terns. For nesting, they prefer sandy beaches with light vegetation. The nest is typically in a shallow scrape above the high tide area. After courtship, they lay 2-3 beige eggs and incubation lasts about 3 weeks. First flight takes place about 3 weeks after hatching!

Recent research has confirmed that use of drones can be a very safe and efficient way to survey nesting birds. Advance study design and flight mission protocols must include careful consideration of nesting traits, altitude levels, high resolution/optical zoom camera, smaller drone size, and low noise signature to reduce even the smallest disturbance on nesting birds.