Massachusetts Tern Census Form, 2012 Observers/Agency:

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1 North of Parking Lot Reservation ROST 6/18/ HC COTE 6/18/ HC ARTE 6/18/ HC LETE 6/18/ AC HC 0 No eggs, and thus no hatching was observed, but the pair counted for the were consistantly associated with and territorial of the area. LETEs were observed foraging, vocalizing and resting in this area beginning on 7/28, their numbers fluxuated for the rest of the season with between 76 adults and 3 immatures were observed 7/28, and 2 adults flying overhead vocalizing on 8/8. LETEs sometimes stayed for multiple days, but were minimally territorial and most likely only present to forage and rest before LAGU 6/18/ HC BLSK 6/18/ HC

2 Between 2nd and 1st Crossovers Reservation ROST 6/18/ HC COTE 6/18/ HC ARTE 6/18/ HC LETE 6/18/ AC RC 6/28/ AC RC 0 First egg laid between 5/28-5/29 No hatchlings or small chicks were observed assocaited with this subcolony, though nests were continuously being laid, defended and then washed out throughout the season. LAGU 6/18/ HC BLSK 6/18/ HC

3 3rd Crossover to High Pines Reservation ROST 6/17/ HC COTE 6/17/ HC ARTE 6/17/ HC LETE 6/17/ AC RC 7/28/ AC RC 0 First egg was laid on approximately 5/31, though this first wave of nests at the end of May/beginning of June were predominantly, if not completely washed out by the Nor'easter storm between 6/1-6/7. LETE remained active and defensive of the area for the remainder of the season, however, no hatchlings or small chicks were observed assocaited with this subcolony. LAGU 6/17/ HC BLSK 6/17/ HC

4 Gurnet Gate House to 3rd Crossover Reservation ROST 6/15/ HC COTE 6/15/ HC ARTE 6/15/ HC LETE 6/15/ AC RC 8/4/ AC RCS 0 First egg was laid on approximately 5/31, though this first wave of nests at the end of May/beginning of June were predominantly, if not completely washed out by the Nor'easter storm between 6/1-6/7. LETE remained active and defensive of the area for the remainder of the season, howevernno hatchlings or small chicks were observed assocaited with this subcolony. LAGU 6/15/ HC BLSK 6/15/ HC

5 Instructions for completing the Massachusetts Tern Census Form For census methodologies consult the Massachusetts Tern & Plover Handbook: a manual for stewards. Complete a separate form for each colony visited, even if no birds are found. Attach a map (aerial photograph [preferred], USGS topo, or careful handdrawing that includes landmarks) for each active site, outlining the precise location of the nesting colony (or subcolonies). codes: ROST = Roseate Tern LETE = Least Tern BLSK = Black Skimmer COTE = Common Tern ARTE = Arctic Tern LAGU = Laughing Gull Other codes: M = Method of Survey Q = Quality of Survey P = Productivity *** Estimate NC = Nest * Count (1 nest or 1 incubating adult = 1 pair) LC = Low Confidence 0 = No fledglings produced EC = Partial Nest Count (extrapolated) RC = Reasonable Confidence 1 = Poor AC = Adult ** Count (# individuals in the nesting area multiplied HC = High Confidence by 0.8 = estimated number of pairs) 2 = Fair to Good 3 = Excellent *Nests (or scrapes) should contain at least one egg in order to be counted. A nest should be counted if it is apparent that eggs have hatched and/or the chicks are away from the nest. Do not count empty scrapes or nests that are obviously abandoned. Remember, nests (or incubating adults) represent pairs and all results should be expressed as "numbers of pairs". **If adults are present at the site but are not found or suspected to be nesting (e.g., if they are simply resting or feeding in the area), they should not be counted as nesting pairs. ***Productive nests are those that produce fledglings, not just hatchlings. REMINDER: REPORT ALL NEGATIVE RESULTS (Negative results are important to document visitation of a site even though no nesting birds may have been found.) Code ROST COTE ARTE A-Count All "A-Counts" are taken within the census window of June 5-20 Time as closely as possible to the date of first hatch, approximately 23 days after the first eggs are laid. Time as closely as possible to the date of first hatch, approximately 23 days after the first eggs are laid (usually 6-8 days before ROST). Time census to coincide with that of the other species in colony such as COTE or LETE. B-Count All "B-Counts" are taken outside the census window; after June 20 Time exactly 25 days after first count. No "B-Count" is required. Another census should be taken to reflect any additional pairs that appear after June 20. LETE Visit colony frequently during the count period and report Conduct a "B-Count" if there is a significant change maximum number of nests/incubating birds counted on any one in numbers from the "A-Count". day. LAGU Time count coincident with COTE count. No "B-Count" is required. BLSK Time count coincident with COTE count. Another census should be taken to reflect any additional pairs that appear after June 20.