The Brothers as seen from Lower West Pubnico. (2005 Ted D'Eon photo)

This report will mostly cover work being done on North Brother.

Work on these islands is done in cooperation with Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (NSDNRR). - Ted D'Eon

THE BROTHERS, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia

OBSERVATIONS:

April 18, 2024 - North Brother

A first visit of the year to set out the Roseate Tern nesting shelters for the upcoming nesting season.

It was a beautiful morning; we had chosen well!

Crew: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau, Pam Mills, Macy D'Eon, Orson Deveau (my grandson), and me.

The boat trip to the island as well as our landing were uneventful (as it should be).

The plywood blind was as we had left it in September 2023 as were the ROST inside. One of the guy wires to the southwest corner of the blind had to be tightened by about 3cm; the other three were fine and tight.

Not much old and dried up vegetation to remove as the winter storms had taken care of most of that.

The laying out of the nesting shelters went very well; most needed removal of larger stones, and many shelter placements needed a layer of fine gravel to be set on. Luckly, the fine gravel was plentiful at the southwest part of the island, below the only remaining bit of "brown soil" left. This "brown soil" is fast getting less and less each year and soon will be completely gone,

Two garbage bags full of garbage were removed from the island. One was mainly filled with old landscape fabric and tarp material from a ROST nesting area of many years ago. They had been buried years ago in winter storms. Orson and I cut out what we could, but there is still plenty left for another time (or after another winter storm).

Great crew and a job well done! Thank you all.

Pam, Luc, and Macy removing ROST nesting shelters from plywood blind. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon The nesting shelters had been stored there for the winter.

More unloading from the blind. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Old landscape fabric and tarp material from a ROST nesting area of many years ago. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon Orson and I cut out what we could; it was bagged and removed from the island.

Orson cutting out the landscape fabric. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Orson standing on the south end of the "brown soil". North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon In a few years there won't be any brown soil left. Also note all the fine gravel below and to the right of him. This wasn't there before!

Orson filling buckets with the fine gravel. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon The gravel is used to smooth out (if needed) the nesting substrate upon which the ROST nesting structures are placed;

North Brother from the south, looking north - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

All hands at work! North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Getting the Roseate Tern nesting shelters in place. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon Alexis, Luc, Pam and Macy

Getting the Roseate Tern nesting shelters in place. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The ROST shelter layout on the western "ridge" of the island. North Brother - April 18, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

North Brother - April 18, 2024 - Drone photo by Ted D'Eon

North Brother - April 18, 2024 - Drone photo by Ted D'Eon Left is South; right is North.

April 24, 2024 - The first terns in Lobster Bay for 2024! Alix d'Entremont reported in email that "Richard Donaldson shared with me that Derek Goodwin had a tern sitting on one of his buoys off The Brothers this morning".

Last year (2023), the first terns were seen in the bay on April 26.

April 29, 2024 - Just had a phone call from a local lobster fisherman (Edouard D'Eon) that another lobster fisherman, Sherman d'Entremont, had seen 2 terns today (April 29, 2024), about 1/2 mile south of John's Island (would be about 11 km to the south of North Brother).

Always nice to get input from the local lobster fishermen!

May 3, 2024 - North Brother - by Alexis Saulnier

Luc and I made our way to the island to bring equipment and apply the first hypersaline treatment to seven of 14 experimental plots to reduce invasive vegetation growth in the breeding habitat. While there, we saw a total of eight Common Terns fly over North Brother as we worked on the saline treatment plots.

Team: Luc Bilodeau and Alexis Saulnier

May 5, 2024 - Abbott's Harbour to Bon Portage - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay, Bertin d'Eon, Logan Moore and I left Abbott's Harbour early this morning headed for Bon Portage Island. A group of roughly 75 terns lifted as we approached North Brother Island at 7 am.

I was able to confirm all three species including one Roseate. We did not stay long.

Later we had about 50 terns foraging at the rip formed by the northern bar at Bon Portage Island. There were 3 Roseates in this group.

At one point, the group landed on the northern bar to rest for a bit then headed back out to the rip to forage. I've attached photos of the three Roseates at Bon Portage.

The three Roseate Terns at Bon Portage - May 5, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

The three Roseate Terns at Bon Portage - May 5, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

There was a smaller number of foraging terns at Ball Bar and none at Sunken Ledge. Some terns were seen transiting both north and south at a few points during our trip from North Brother to BP.

We passed near North Brother on our way back to the wharf at around 1 pm and only 4 terns were seen just north of the island. Most of the terns must have been out foraging.

Thank you Alix, Kathleen, Bertin and Logan

May 8, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

As we made our way onto North Brother, Cormorants, Common Eiders and Gulls were seen flying overheard. As we got closer an estimated 60 terns could be seen flying above the island. Although the bulk was made up of Common Terns, 1 Roseate and 1 Arctic tern were seen and heard flying amongst them. A few were seen with prey, notably sandlance.

Upon arrival, a Yellow Warbler was spotted on the island, a first for the members of our team. A walk around the North Brother brought a few early nest scrapes by Common terns to our attention. They were found along the North, West and Southern parts of the island. The southern ridge was also home to an Eider nest.

  Shawn and I took part in a second application of the hypersaline solution on the test plots which were showing promising results even after a single application. Meanwhile Alexis and Luc removed some wild radish shoots from the Roseate boxes and ensured each of them were easily seen from the blind.

,

Control plot C3 (untreated). North Brother - May 8, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Treated plot T3 (5 days after first treatment with hypersaline solution). North Brother - May 8, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

  As we returned to shore, the terns were seen quickly landing back onto their island.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau, Shawn Craik and Daphnée Ouellet 

May 13, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet 

An estimated 100 terns were now residing on North Brother. A walk around the island showed many promising nest scrapes on the North, West and South parts, including a few inside the Roseate boxes. 2 eider nests were also found; one empty (South) and one with 6 eggs (East).

  Since no tern eggs had yet been laid, we had a green light to apply our third and last application of hypersaline solution on the 7 test plots, who as of now, showed little to no sprouts; an encouraging sign for the efficacy of this treatment.  

Next up we divided into the blind and portable cache for some observations, along with some identification practice for myself, a new member of the team. 7 Arctic terns and 2 Roseate terns were spotted in the colony. Some prey seen on this day were juvenile herring, herring, sandlance, mummichog, stickleback and silverside.  Common terns were seen copulating and making more scrapes keeping us optimistic for eggs by the end of the week.

Common Tern with herring. North Brother - May 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with juvenile herring. North Brother - May 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with stickleback. North Brother - May 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with silverside. North Brother - May 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

First active Common Eider nest. North Brother - May 13, 2024 - photo by ?

* As we started making our way out of Pubnico, we saw a Roseate tern dipping into the Harbour near Rock Road.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

May 15, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

As we stood on shore before making our way to the Island, we could tell the number of terns had grown from our last trip. As we got closer roughly 200 terns were seen, of which a minimum of 16 Roseate terns and 6 Arctic terns were later counted.

Some of the Roseates were banded with federal bands or a combination of federal bands and field readable bands, which is very exciting.

Confirmed bands were as follows:

- Z29 (red band, left leg)
- Z27 (red band, left leg)
- B65 (red band, left leg)
- LU1 (red band, right leg)
- BC1 (red band, right leg)
- Z00 (red band, right leg)
- B33 (red band, right leg)
- B12 (red band, right leg)
- LM1 (red band, right leg)
- T83 (yellow band, left leg)
- BA1 (red band, right leg)
- fed band left leg, stump right leg

The active Eider nest still counted 6 warm eggs as we headed to our respective observation spots (Alexis and I in the blind, Luc in the portable cache). We did 2, 2-hour observation blocks; one before lunch and one after. Before lunch we had a little more activity; terns were seen arriving with prey (proceeding to feed themselves, their partners, or playing tug- of-war for fish), visiting nesting boxes, making scrapes, copulating, performing courtship behaviors and even mobbing a nearby crow.

The second block was much slower, and most terns were seen sleeping by the shore on the West side of the island. During this time, we spotted some gulls, cormorants and even a Black Guillemot, a flock of 20 or so unidentified shorebirds even gave us a flyby.

As the weather continues to cooperate, we aim to head out again on Friday.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 15, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with juvenile herring. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (LM1) with herring. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau This fish was given to BC1, a likely partner

Common Tern with possible large red hake head. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with eel. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with moth. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with smelt. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with pollock. North Brother - May 15, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 17, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Although this day offered us little activity from the 150 terns residing on the island, it was nonetheless an exciting trip for our team.

In addition to the work done in the past years, we will be trying to observe signs of kleptoparisitism (food theft). Luc noticed many instances of one Roseate tern patiently waiting for a fellow tern to flyby with a fish before beginning a pursuit. Although only one attempt was successful for the parasite in stealing fish from its host, this is exciting as it is the first sighting of this strategy for the year. Only time will tell whether this individual is a klepto specialist or rather opportunist.

From the blind, Alexis and I could see many boxes claimed by some of the 19 counted Roseate terns, as well as a few mated pairs. One of which was a reoccurring couple from last year: individuals T83 and BA1.

Many boats in the surrounding area caused the colony to flush repeatedly, making directional observations scarce. Regardless, some prey seen on this day included June bugs, spiders, sandlance, mummichog and herring. A spotted sandpiper also made an appearance on the island.

During our 3-hour observations, very little courtship and incubating behaviors were observed, leading us to believe we would not find any eggs. To the contrary, our first and only tern egg was found as we walked around the island: a Common tern egg near the southern point. In addition, we now counted 3 active Eider nests. E1 (East, 6 eggs), E2 (West, 4 eggs), E3 (South, 1 egg).

The remains of 1 predated Common tern were also found on the southern side of North Brother, which we suspect to be the work of a Great-horned Owl.

Identified bands from Luc’s photos:
- LY0 (red band, right leg)
- LU0 (red band, right leg)
- BU0 (red band, right leg)
- L53 (red band, right leg)
- C59 (red band, left leg), this individual was observed copulating and is presumed female.
- L08 (red band, right leg)
- T42 (yellow band, left leg)
- B76 (red band, left leg)
- BT0 (red band, right leg)

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

E2 (Common Eider) nest, directly adjacent to Roseate box 14 North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by ?

First tern egg of the season North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by ?

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 17, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Roseate Tern with juvenile herring. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with sandlance. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with fish scrap. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with herring. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with shrimp. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with June bug. North Brother - May 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 20, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Over the weekend the number of birds on North Brother grew; we were greeted onto the island by approximately 450 terns along with a few Eiders and some Cormorants.

On this day, we went directly to observing the birds from our respective spots.

Brought on by the large increase in number of terns, we noted a lot of activity on the island. Many Roseates had claimed boxes and we even spotted our first ROST egg.

All 3 species of terns were seen returning to the island with prey, including herring, juvenile herring, smelt, mummichog, silverside, lumpfish and stickleback. Quite a few terns were seen dipping near the North and East coasts of the island.

A black guillemot was also spotted floating in the water to the North.

Identified bands:
- L40 (red band, left leg)
- L96 (red band, left leg)
- L05 (red band, left leg)
- BE1 (red band, right leg)
- Z04 (red band, right leg)
- BY0 (red band, right leg)
- LD0 (red band, right leg)

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 20, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with marine invertebrate. North Brother May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with double catch of herring. North Brother May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with mummichog. North Brother - May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with herring. North Brother - May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with smelt. North Brother - May 20, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 21, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

As we made our way around North Brother, Arctic nests (to the East and North) and Common nests (to the North, West and South) were found. Most nests had 1 or 2 eggs, except one counting 3 Common eggs. 2 Arctic nests, and 8 Common nests were marked and confirmed for follow up observations all through the season.

Along the West of the island Roseates had also started laying eggs. We counted 5 active ROST nests, all of which counted a single egg. A Roseate and possible hybrid couple were seen making a scrape together outside of the provided box shelters.

We followed up with some observations from the blind and portable cache where a variety of prey were seen brought onto the island, most of which were then fed to the bird’s respective partners.

Identified bands:
- LR0 (red band, right leg)
- Z10 (red band, right leg)
- L03 (red band, left leg)

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 21, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with silverside. North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with triple catch of herring. North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with smelt. North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with double catch of herring North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with large eel. North Brother - May 21, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 21, 2024 - Roseate Terns at Sunken Ledge and John's Island area - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay and I had 3 ROST foraging near Sunken Ledge and 2 ROST at two different locations around John's Island. Also, there were 10 ROST roosting on Sunken Ledge with some COTE and one ARTE.

See the following eBird checklist for photos. https://ebird.org/checklist/S176207713.

I was just too far from the birds to be able to read the PFRs with my 300 mm lens. Otherwise, there were small groups of terns roosting on a few ledges throughout our circuit.

Thank you Alix and Kathleen,

May 23, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

We had been quite lucky in regards to weather until this day. From the coast, neither of the two Brothers could be seen through the fog.

Once on the island, we marked more Arctic and Common nests, and noted an increase in egg count for many of them. We now counted 17 active Roseate nests, one of which counted 2 eggs. Also, the island is now home to 4 active Eider nests.

With the fog, it was impossible to do directional observations in the blind, so Shawn and I did general observations while Luc took photos.

Roseate LU0 was seen, on a few occasions, practicing kleptoparasitic behavior. This was brought to our attention by his or her aggressive flight patterns. More specifically, this bird could be seen flying high and in circles around the island, while looking below for other terns with fish, before quickly lunging towards them to steal a meal.

Multiple double and triple catches of herring were brought back to the island, as well as a variety of other prey.

Despite the fog, some exciting sightings of the day included a spotted sandpiper, a flock of purple sandpipers as well as a Harbour seal quietly floating just a few meters off the North- West coast of the island.

Identified bands:
- B40 (red band, right leg)
- L13 (red band, right leg)
- PK51 (left leg fed, ARTE)
- R62 (black band, right leg, COTE)
- B81 (red band, right leg)

Team: Luc Bilodeau, Shawn Craik & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Luc, Shawn and Daphnée.

May 23, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with sandlance. North Brother - May 23, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with quadruple catch of herring - May 23, 2024 photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - May 23, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Terns fighting over silverside. North Brother - May 23, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with the first photographed hake of the season. North Brother - May 23, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 26, 2024 - Roseate Tern Foraging Survey - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay and I completed a Roseate Tern foraging survey this morning. Foraging Roseates were only seen at one location. A large group of Roseate Terns were foraging and loafing with Common Terns at the Ball Bar (off of Wood's Harbour).

The rising tide (about 1/3 way up) was creating a strong rip at Ball Bar, the current moving westward over the bar. The group of Roseates was concentrated at the southern end of the larger group of terns including Commons.

A maximum count of 14 Roseates were seen foraging at one time. At least another two, but perhaps more, were roosting on nearby rocks.

Getting close enough to the roosting birds without being swept westward by the current or getting the propeller caught in seaweed was a challenge, however, I was able to get a few images showing Plastic Field Readable (PFR) bands and prey (see attached for PFR and prey images).

PFR details:

L40 Left Leg (white on red)
9822-51569, Female (from head-bill length)
Banded as an adult on North Brother on June 22, 2015.
Seen on Gull Island in 2017, 
and on North Brother each year during 2019-2024.

B65 Left Leg (white on red)
0802-04928, Male (from head-bill length)
Banded as a chick on North Brother on July 16, 2007
Previously seen on North Brother 
each year during 2014-2016, and 2019-2024,
and on Gull Island in 2017 and 2018.

Z96 Right Leg (white on red)
1392-31705, sex unknown
Banded as a chick on North Brother on July 5, 2022

Z00 Right Leg (white on red)
1392-31520, Sex unknown
banded as a chick on North Brother, July 16, 2019
Seen at Sunken Ledge in 2022
Seen at North Brother 2023-2024

Some Roseate Tern photos from The Ball Bar by Alix d'Entremont.

Roseate Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Terns - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseates seen at other locations during our route were all transiting northward. Also, we had a very photogenic Common x Roseate Hybrid at Ball Bar. See the photos and description here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S177313128.

(From Alix's ebird submission May 26, 2024)

Common x Roseate Tern (hybrid)

Number observed: 1

Details

This bird was easily picked out by the unaided eye and binoculars in comparison to nearby Roseates and Commons. The wingbeat frequency was closer to that of a Roseate. The upperparts and underparts are a grey between Roseate and Common. The bill base shows more orange than a typical Roseate on this date.

Retained outer primaries following the prealternate moult usually number 1-3 in Roseate and 5-7 in Commons. This bird has 4 on the left wing and 5 on the right wing.

Also, photos of the undersides of the outer primaries show that the dark near the vane of the inner web wraps up along the outer edge of that vane, unlike in Roseate where the white outer edge of the inner vane continues to the tip. This feature is shown well in this image (https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/619624468). The tail only slightly reaches past the primary tips when the bird is standing.

Hybrid Roseate/Common Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont photo from https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/619624468

More of this Roseate/Common tern photos from Alix d'Entremont.

Hybrid Roseate/Common Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Hybrid Roseate/Common Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Tern (left), Hybrid Roseate/Common Tern (right) - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Hybrid Roseate/Common Tern - The Ball Bar, May 26, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Thank you Alix and Kathleen.

May 27, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Uppon arriving onto North Brother we estimated there to be roughly 350 to 400 terns. Since the terns have strengthened their bond to the island, their flushes are quick as they return to brood their nests, making an accurate count difficult to get.

We marked 10 more Arctic tern nests as well as 10 additional Common tern nests, though many more for both species were seen and will be marked later this week.

Common tern nest in a patch of seaweed - North Brother, May 27, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

Arctic tern nest among rocks - North Brother, May 27, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

Of the 37 active Roseate tern nests on the island, 16 count 2 eggs and 3 are found outside the provided boxes; 2 of them adjacent to the boxes and the other, isolated from other Roseates, on the South-West ridge.

We have also started taking note of nest placement in the boxes.

Our Common Eider nest count is up, from 4 to 6 since last week; E1 – 6 eggs, E2 – 4 eggs, E3 – 6 eggs, E4 – 5 eggs, E5 – 5 eggs and E6 – 5 eggs.

GoPro cameras were installed onto 5 nests for additional data, as will be done for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Alexis and I saw very few feeding observations from the blind.

From the ground, Shawn and Luc were able to watch for kleptoparisitism. As of now, this behavior hasn’t been spotted by Arctic terns, and it seems Roseate and Common terns have different strategies from one another.

Identified bands:
- L93 (red band, left leg) – broken lower mandible (seen with full beak last year)
- Z70 (red band, right leg)
- B95 (red band, right leg)
- BM1 (red band, right leg)
- B19 (red band, right leg)
- Z96 (red band, right leg)
- Z49 (red band, left leg)
- R76 (black band, right leg, COTE)

ROST L93 with broken mandible. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

ROST L93 with broken mandible. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

ROST L93 with broken mandible. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

We took a bumpy zodiac ride back to the mainland amidst fairly strong winds and hope for cooperating weather for our following trips of the week.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau, Shawn Craik & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, Shawn and Daphnée.

May 27, 2024 – North Brother - More photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with June bug. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (Z70) with herring. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Terns with lumpfish. North Brother - May 27, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 29, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

On this day, the island had much more terns coming in and out with prey than it did for our last two visits. The variety of prey brought in (observed), seemed to be limited to small herring, with the exception of a few mummichog, a few lumpfish and a single sandlance.

5 more Arctic tern nests were marked for observation.

3 GoPros were also set onto 2 Arctic tern nests and a Roseate tern nest: R42. R42 happens to be the ROST nesting box claimed by the tern with the broken bill, L93 who was seen resting in the box alongside 1 egg.

In addition to directional observations, Alexis and I spent some time in the blind to associate individual Roseate terns to specific nests (boxes and external). 13 confirmed couples have been linked to nests.

Identified bands:
- Z50 (red band, right leg)
- L00 (red band, left leg)
- L12 (red band, right leg)
- RX6 (yellow band, right leg)
- L36 (red band, left leg)
- Z26 (red band, left leg)
- B39 (red band, right leg)
- Z36 (red band, right leg)
- BB1 (red band, right leg) - 
  probably same individual identified as B81 on May 23rd
- Hybrid ROST/COTE (federal band, left leg)

During our visit some Eiders tried making their way back to their nests and were met by some mobbing from Common terns. This is an exciting sign, showing that the terns are willing to defend their island.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 29, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with large sandlance. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with stickleback. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with juvenile herring. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with herring. North Brother - May 29, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

May 30, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

This visit to North Brother had a few goals. We started off by walking around the island and marked 6 more Arctic tern nests and took note of the number of eggs in the previously marked ARTE and COTE nests. This brings our total of confirmed ARTE nests to 25, alongside 6 more presumed ARTE nests found around the island.

Only one of the previously marked COTE nests had decreased in egg count.

Shawn took care of removing some vegetation in Roseate territory to ensure box numbers and tern badges would still be visible from our observation spots. Meanwhile, Luc and I checked the now 48 active ROST nests, 5 of which aren’t in nesting boxes. Our total ROST egg count is now 75, 3 of which are cold and one is a potential COTE egg.

This week, we started marking nest placement in the boxes as follows:

Diagram - Roseate Tern Nesting Box Quadrants

We have noticed Q3 as the most popular choice for nests.

From the blind, I observed for terns bringing prey onto the island, while Shawn watched for signs of kleptoparisitism and Luc took photos from the ground.

Not many prey were seen on this day, and very little klepto attempts were made. L93 was once again seen, and filmed by GoPro in its nest.

A Jaeger flew over North Brother during our observation block, which stirred up the colony. 10 flushes resulted in the following 15 minutes, while roughly 50 terns continuously patrolled the North ridge.

The spotted sandpiper residing on the island was once again seen, along with a few female Eiders. All 6 Eider nests still held warm eggs.

On our trip back to shore, a few White-Winged Scoters (sea ducks) were seen flying low, towards the South.

Identified bands:
- BL0 (red band)
- BZ0 (red band, right leg)
- Flag (orange, left leg, COTE)

Team: Shawn Craik, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

May 30, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with juvenile herring. North Brother - May 30, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with hake. North Brother - May 30, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with orange flag holding hake. North Brother - May 30, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern fed a stickleback to its partner, immediately followed by a dry stiff herring, likely picked up from the ground. North Brother - May 30, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with herring. North Brother - May 30, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

June 3, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Our team of 8 people made it onto North Brother with a few goals for the day.

First off Shawn, Alexis, Luc and I made our way around the island to take note of our 25 marked COTE nests, 30 marked ARTE nests and ROST nests. 47 of the boxes contain eggs, in addition to 5 active nests outside of boxes. Of the Roseate nests, 30 count 2 eggs and 1 counts 3 eggs; a rare sight.

L93, the ROST with a broken bill was not seen on this day, and the egg in its box (R42) is cold. Box R33 has two eggs very different in appearance, one seemingly COTE. Though last week these two eggs were seen in separate quadrants of the box, they are now joined in a single scrape.

During our visit, a seventh Eider nest was found, holding 4 warm eggs.

Next up we began trapping via bownet. Divided into two teams, we aimed to catch 5 Common terns during this visit. Luc and Alexis prepared the trap by finding isolated nests (with clearance from other nests by at least 15 inches) and replacing the eggs with decoys. Once in the blind, the terns would settle, the targeted tern would incubate on the plastic eggs and the trap could be activated.

Bownet setup - North Brother, Decoy eggs in the nest - the real COTE eggs are in the yellow container. June 3, 2024 - photo by Alexis Saulnier

The tern was then brought to shore while the next trap was getting set up, and the real eggs put back. By the shore the tern in question was measured, weighed, swabbed for avian influenza, banded with a plastic field readable band as well as a metal federal band, plucked of a few breast feathers for genetic analysis and fitted with a GPS backpack tag before being released back into the colony.

We successfully tagged 5 terns before packing up our gear and making way back to shore.

GPS tagged Common terns (newly banded):
• X07 (white band, left leg)
• X09 (white band, left leg)
• X11 (white band, left leg)
• X14 (white band, left leg)
• X15 (white band, left leg)

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Shawn Craik, Luc Bilodeau, Jen Rock, Julie McKnight, Kathleen MacAulay, Alix d’Entremont and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Shawn, Luc, Jen, Julie, Kathleen, Alix and Daphnée.

June 4, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Overnight, a little over 250 GPS points from the 5 tagged terns were received at the base station on the island.

With 5 tags remaining to deploy, we headed back to North Brother with the same plan as the previous day. Skipping the walk around the island as not to disturb the colony more than necessary, we went directly to trapping, swabbing, measuring, weighing, banding and tagging 5 more Common terns.

GPS tagged Common terns (newly banded):
• X17 (white band, left leg)
• X20 (white band, left leg)
• X21 (white band, left leg)
• X22 (white band, left leg)
• X23 (white band, left leg)

We will have to wait until next week to download the first batch of data from the 10 GPS tagged terns.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Shawn Craik, Luc Bilodeau, Jen Rock, Julie McKnight and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Shawn, Luc, Jen, Julie and Daphnée.

June 5, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

As not to disturb the colony for a third day in a row, for this visit we quickly placed 5 GoPros before going directly into a 3-hour observation block.

While Luc took photos, from the blind Alexis and I watched for terns bringing back fish. Most of our prey was seen coming from the North, with a surprising amount of prey also coming in from the West. Although like most days, herring was popular, we saw quite a bit of hake as well.

From this angle, the test plots that had received treatments of hypersaline solution at the start of the season were quite visible amidst the vegetation that has started to take over the East and South parts of the island. We also noted 2 more out of box ROST nests bringing our total of active nests to 55 and our total ROST egg count to 86 (including the cold egg in box R42 and the possible COTE egg in box R33).

We took a quick break for lunch back on the mainland before returning for another 2-hour observation block. This second visit was a little slower in terms of feeding on the island, though a Black Guillemot made an appearance floating past the North-West ridge.

GPS tags could be seen on the backs of some tagged terns, brooding their nests.

Identified band:
• Y85 (red band, left leg)

In part due to weather and in part due to the back-to-back visits from this week, the terns get a few days without being bothered as we will only be returning to work on North Brother next week.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc and Daphnée.

June 10, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Upon arriving on North Brother, we began our tour of the island for our usual follow-up of marked nests. During this, our first Common tern chick was spotted on the north side of the island, meaning the nest count would be taking place the following day (to prevent a lengthy disturbance through the colony while many chicks are present).

We proceeded to turn around and cut our tour of the island short, instead heading directly to a 3-hour observation block. 7 GoPros were installed, and we took our respective spots in the blind and cache.

During this time, Alexis and I exclusively saw herring, hake and hake-ish fish (group consisting of possible herring, hake, silverside, smelt or stickleback), large quantities of which were being brought back from the West and the North. Some terns were even seen diving and bringing back fish, roughly 150 meters offshore to the West of the island.

From his cache, Luc saw a Northern Gannet flying South.

During our observations, the Terns tallied more than 35 flushes, though no predators or boats were seen in the vicinity.

Common Tern chick receiving herring from parent - June 10, 2024 Screenshotted from GoPro video on nest C9

Identified bands:
• BJ0 (red band, right leg)
• Z62 (red band, right leg)
• Z61 (red band, right leg)

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

June 10, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - June 10, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with hake. North Brother - June 10, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X14) with hake (note the small antenna on the bird’s back). North Brother - June 10, 202 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with double catch of herring. North Brother June 10, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (Z61) arriving with herring. North Brother June 10, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Alexis, Luc and Daphnée.

June 11, 2024 - Roseate Tern Foraging Survey - Woods Harbour area - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay and I completed a Roseate Tern foraging survey off Woods Harbour this morning. There were no large groups of foraging terns anywhere during our route. We did have 4 Roseates foraging near Sunken Ledge and one at Ball Bar. We got one Roseate Plastic Field Readable at Sunken Ledge, see details below.

Z64, Right Leg
1392-31674
Banded as a chick at North Brother Island on July 13, 2021

Roseate Terns Z64 at Sunken Ledge - June 11, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

"I don't find any record of this individual being resighted on Ted's website. This is likely the first observation of this bird in NS since 2021." - Alix d'Entremont

Thank you Alix and Kathleen

June 11, 2024 – NEST COUNT DAY - North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Our 5 member team made its way out to North Brother, ready to count the many nests on the island.

Here is the data pulled from that count:

- Total nests = 724
- Total eggs = 1498
- Average clutch size = 2.07
ROSEATE: 63 nests, 97 eggs

- Average clutch size = 1.54
- Largest clutch size = 3 eggs (in 3 nests)

ARCTIC: 61 nests, 107 eggs

- Average clutch size = 1.75
- Largest clutch size = 2 eggs (in 46 nests)

COMMON: 595 nests, 1282 eggs
- Average clutch size = 2.15
- Largest clutch size = 4 eggs (in 5 nests)
COMMON/ARCTIC (undetermined): 5 nests, 12 eggs

- Average clutch size = 2.40

In addition to the hatched chicks a few COTE eggs around the island were pipping as well as one ROST egg which happens to be in the first box were a ROST egg was seen by our team.

First pipping Roseate Tern egg - North Brother - June 11, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

After giving the colony a break from our presence, we returned to the West ridge to remove some Radish, Chenopodium and Bindweed from around the ROST boxes. This, to ensure a clear view of the box numbers and bands from our observation spots, as well as to prevent chicks from getting lost in the vegetation.

Nearing the end of our gardening session Terns were still mobbing us, though curiously, some Terns also started perching on our heads.

Common Tern on Shawn's head - North Brother June 11, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

Common Tern on Daphnée's head - North Brother June 11, 2024 - photo by Julie McKnight

After this, we packed up our gear and made way back to the mainland with a compass in hand as thick fog rolled in.

Team: Shawn Craik, Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau, Julie McKnight & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Shawn, Alexis, Luc, Julie and Daphnée.

June 12, 2024 - McNutts Island Tern Survey - June 12, 2024 - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Bertin d'Eon, Jerome d'Eon and I did a nest count at McNutts Island, Shelburne County, today. The colony is at the northern end of the island on a cobble bar.

I estimated 120 Common Terns and 80 Arctic Terns in the air when they flushed. One Common Tern nest had two eggs with small pip holes. A total of 214 nest were counted.

Part way through the count, I heard the "snarl" call of a Roseate. It was seen flying over the colony and resting on a nearby shoreline with a group of loafing Common and Arctic Terns. No breeding evidence was observed for the Roseate. See attached photo.

Roseate Tern with Common Terns at McNutts Island, Shelburne County Roseate Tern is at centre of photo - June 12, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Here is the eBird checklist with some details on the count and a photo of the Roseate: https://ebird.org/checklist/S181062043

Earlier in the day we collected 10 Black Guillemot eggs from nearby Jordan Bay Gull Rock for a Canadian Wildlife Service hydrocarbon contaminant study. Numbers of birds in the checklist below are very rough and likely undercounts. I've attached a couple photos–one of our landing spot on Jordan Bay Gull Rock and one of a Black Guillemot next to its egg. Here is the eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S181062303

Black Guillemot on nest, Jordan Bay Gull Rock, Shelburne County - June 12, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Bertin and Jerome, Jordan Bay Gull Rock, Shelburne County - June 12, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Thank you Alix, Bertin, and Jerome.

June 13, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

During our walk around the island, we found many more hatched chicks, including our first Arctic tern chicks as well as 3 Roseate tern chicks, plus 2 ROST eggs that were pipping.

Hatching Roseate chick - North Brother June 13, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

After setting up all 9 GoPro cameras on nests, we began our 3-hour observation block. During this time a seal was seen sunbathing on a large rock past the South-East ridge and an Osprey flew towards the East, to the North of the island.

An additional 4 out-of-box ROST nests were confirmed, bringing the total of confirmed active ROST nests to 66 (including the 16 out-of-box nests). Also, one confirmed Roseate- hybrid nest now holds 1 egg.

Feeding came in at a moderate pace, from all four directions. Prey was mostly hake and herring, some of which was seen caught to the West and East. ROST were also seen foraging/diving into the floating seaweed directly South of island in the last South observation block. At least 2 dives, unsure if fish was obtained.

As we drove out of Pubnico, some terns were seen foraging in the Harbour as well.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

June 13, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with herring peering through the already dense vegetation. North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (Z26) with hake. North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with hake, North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Osprey being mobbed by terns, North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with stickleback, North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern feeding hake to chick, North Brother - June 13, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Alexis, Luc and Daphnée.

June 17, 2024 – Pubnico Harbour – by Daphnée Ouellet

Shawn and I kayaked around the southern part of the Harbour in search of tern foraging locations. 18 different spots were identified. Common Terns were mostly seen diving into shallow water amongst floating seaweed (Ascophyllum). A group of Roseate Terns were spotted just North of Dennis Point Wharf, diving down into fish banks (presumed to be small herring).

Other birds seen during our trip included a Willet, a Common Loon, Great Blue Herons, Barn Swallows and many Gulls.

Team: Shawn Craik & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Shawn and Daphnée.

June 17, 2024 – North Brother – by Alexis Saulnier

While Shawn and Daphnée conducted a harbour kayak survey, Luc and I made our way to North Brother to follow our monitored nests and conduct prey observations. There were a lot of chicks on the island with most nests and individuals faring well. We noted 3, 3-egg Roseate nests as well as an interesting 3 adult pairing tending one of these 3-egg nests. Jeff Spendelow, a leading Roseate Tern expert, mentioned that he has observed this type of pairing in the past, often the result of multi-female associations. We also noted our second successful Common Eider nest with 3 ducklings, which is a rather rare occurrence on North Brother.

Though Shawn and Daphnée observed many Roseate Terns foraging in the harbour, we didn’t record any Roseate Terns arriving from the East (the direction corresponding with the Pubnico Harbour). Most of the feedings occurred from the South with over 20 observations in a 30-minute period, though every cardinal direction was used. As has been the case throughout this breeding season, herring was by far the most frequent prey with little variation in other prey species. There was a fair volume of hake as well, including some uncommonly large hake. We also noted our first observation of a kleptoparasite (Roseate) feeding its chick in nest R37.

Team: Luc Bilodeau & Alexis Saulnier

Thank you, Luc and Alexis.

June 17, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with silverside, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern chick receiving hake, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern feeding herring to chicks, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (Z64) with herring, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern exhibiting kleptoparasitic behaviour while scanning the colony from above, North Brother June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Kleptoparasitic Roseate Tern with herring, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with one of the few sandlance spotted on this day, North Brother - June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (C43) with hake, North Brother June 17, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

June 17, 2024 - Cape Sable Tern Survey - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay, Bertin d'Eon and I completed a nest count on Cape Sable today. A decade ago, you could land at Steven's Point and access the whole of Cape Sable, however, over the years, a channel has formed that separates Steven's Point from the rest of the island at high tide. This makes trips there a little more complicated. After having dropped off Kathleen near the tern colony, Bertin and I motor the Zodiac to Steven's Point where we anchored. Bertin and I had to remove our boots and socks and pull up our pants above the knee to cross the channel between Steven's Point and the rest of the island. The water was painfully cold. On our way to the tern colony, we saw two adult American Oystercatchers with two juveniles along with several Piping Plovers.

Oystercatchers on Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Piping Plover nest on Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

In addition to the 114 nests with eggs that were found, 71 empty nests were also noted. We found nine single tern eggs that appeared to be non-viable. Some were partly covered in sand and others were not covered, but were not within a nest. It seems likely that a recent high tide flooded many nests and that those birds are replacing these lost nests. Flooding has been an issue at this location in the past (e.g., in 2022: https://ebird.org/checklist/S114405863). Three adult Roseate Terns were seen flying around the colony, but did not appear to be landing at a nest at that time. Two were performing courtship displays at one point. The ratio of Common vs Arctic adults appeared to be about 50/50.

Roseate Tern, Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Terns, Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

A Piping Plover nest with four eggs was located by Kathleen while Bertin and I were finishing up the survey. Bertin and I then returned to the boat to come back to pickup Kathleen near the tern colony. While waiting for our return, Kathleen watched the Roseates and and found that there appeared to be a Roseate Tern nest with one egg inside a vehicle tire. See the eBird checklist below for images of the Roseate nest and some related comments by Kathleen.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S182097050

Kathleen MacAulay wrote, "After the colony survey was completed, a banded Roseate (band code not visible) was noted repeatedly landing on a tire near the east end of the colony. An approach to the tire provoked calling and even some swooping from two Roseates (along with weaker responses from nearby Commons) and inside the tire rim was a single egg consistent with Roseate in shape and colour. Within 3 minutes of the observer leaving the area, the Roseate returned to the tire again. The egg was not warm to the touch and incubation behaviour was not seen."

Roseate Tern on tire containing its nest - Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Kathleen MacAulay

Roseate Tern nest inside tire - Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Kathleen MacAulay

Roseate Tern nest inside tire - Cape Sable - June 17, 2024 - photo by Kathleen MacAulay

Thank you Alix, Kathleen, and Bertin.

June 19, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

The Terns on the island were very active on this day. On our ride in, terns with fish flew low and near the zodiac towards North Brother. We did a 3-hour observation block in which we saw feeding from all directions. There was little variety in the prey, though a few big herrings were seen (size of 2 culmen).

In addition to tern chicks, Common Eider ducklings in “crèches” on the water were seen as well as a Spotted Sandpiper chick teetering its body as it explored near its nest.

Team: Shawn Craik, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Shawn, Luc, and Daphnée.

June 19, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

GPS tagged Common Tern (X22) with herring, North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern bringing mummichog to chicks (nest C30), North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (B76) with sandlance, North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with hake (successful kleptoparasite attempt), North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern feeding marine invertebrate to chick (nest C30), North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with dragonfly, North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with herring, North Brother - June 19, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

June 19, 2024 - Woods Harbour area to Johns Island Roseate Tern Foraging Survey - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Kathleen MacAulay and I did a Roseate Tern foraging survey of Woods Harbour this morning. Roseates were seen foraging at 9 different locations with highest concentrations in the area of The Ball Bar/Goodwins Island/Sunken Ledge and Johns Island. We stayed at the rip formed by the bar on Johns Island for 22 minutes while up to 9 Roseates foraged all around us. I was able to photograph Roseates with prey (photos attached, file prefix "PREY"). I would be great if the Sainte-Anne team could help with IDs of the fish.

I was also able to read the codes on 4 plastic field readables. Foraging at Johns Island was LD0 and Z82 (white on red) and resting on Goodwins Island was Z07 and Z29 (white on red). I also had another PFR at Goodwins that may have been Z72, but I'm not sure. Let me know what you think. Images of these are all attached (file prefix "PFR"). Below are details on the 4 PFRs. I don't have much on Z82 other than it was banded as a chick on North Brother Island in 2022.

Z29, white on red PFR, left leg
1392-31647, Sex unknown
banded as a chick on North Brother, July 16, 2020
Seen on North Brother in 2023 and 2024
Seen at Cape Sable on July 30, 2023
(https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/598776841)

Roseate Tern Z29, Goodwins Island - June 19, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Tern Z07, Goodwins Island - June 19, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Roseate Tern Z72, Goodwins Island - June 19, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

LD0, white on red PFR, right leg
9822-53290, Sex unknown
Banded as a chick on North Brother in 2019
Seen on North Brother in2022, 2023 and 2024
and on Falkner Island on August 1, 2022.

Roseate Tern LD0, Johns Island - June 19, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Z82, white on red PFR, right leg
Banded as a chick on North Brother Island in 2022

Roseate Tern Z82, Johns Island - June 19, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Thank you Alix and Kathleen.

June 20, 2024 - Goodwins Island Tern Survey - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Bertin d'Eon and I made a quick stop at Bon Portage Island but didn't bother counting tern nests since there were probably only a few pairs of Common Terns at the colony at the northern end. We then went to Goodwins Island to do the nest count there. We estimated 40 Common Terns, 6 Arctic Terns and counted 5 Roseate Terns at Goodwins. A total of 40 nests were counted. A Roseate landed at the edge of the tern colony with a fish, but was not seen handing it off. A few minutes later, the Roseate was observed without the fish, so I assume the bird ate it. Others were seen landing briefly at different places in or near the colony and at the waters edge. After the nest count, we stayed about 10 minutes to watch and no Roseates were seen returning to the colony.

I was able to get two Roseate PFRs at Goodwins Island. PFR Z29 (attached DSC_1920.jpg) was seen the day before at Goodwins, but Z36 is new for this location. Goodwins may simply be a good location to rest between foraging bouts since no breeding evidence was seen.

Z29, white on red PFR, left leg 1392-31647, Sex unknown banded as a chick on North Brother, July 16, 2020 Seen on North Brother in 2023 and 2024 Seen at Cape Sable on July 30, 2023 (https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/598776841) Seen at Goodwin's Island on June 19, 2024

Roseate Tern Z29, Goodwins Island - June 20, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Z36, white on red PFR, right leg 1392-31651, Sex unknown banded as a chick on North Brother on June 17, 2021 Seen at North Brother on May 29, 2024

Here is the eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S182699205

We also motored through Inner Harbour in Shag Harbour and had 2 Roseates (attached DSC_1975_ShagHarbour.jpg) foraging with a group of Commons. One ROST wasn't banded and I never did get close enough to the other to see if it had a band.

Roseate Tern, Shag Harbour - June 20, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Thank you Alix and Bertin.

June 22, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

We planned to visit the island but as we got to Pubnico and saw the poor weather, decided it be best not to disturb the adults and instead to let them keep their young warm.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau & Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you Alexis, Luc, and Daphnée.

June 22, 2024 - Queens County islands Tern Survey - Kathleen MacAulay, DVM (from email on June 23, 2024)

Alix, Bertin d'Eon and I went to Queens County for tern nest counts on Toby and Coffin Islands yesterday. There were no terns at Toby, but the colony at Coffin had 236 nests. This is our highest nest count for this location since 2019 (when 455 nests were counted) and marks a large increase over the past few years, with so few terns present that no count was done in 2021 and 2022, and with 33 nests in 2023. The colony was composed of approximately 2:1 Common:Arctic Tern, with no Roseates (though two Laughing Gulls were nice to see).

Unfortunately, we did find one young chick showing similar symptoms to those seen during the mortality event at North Brother last year. It was very weak, in a contorted position, and had bloody marks on its legs. See attached photos. We were not equipped to collect samples today so that was not done, but I think it would be good to check the colony again in 1-2 weeks to see if other birds become affected and collect samples if needed. Shawn reports that three sick/dead chicks with similar signs have been spotted recently on North Brother, and one dead chick has been sent out for further testing. We are preparing to collect samples and investigate further if mortality continues at North Brother.

Kathleen MacAulay, DVM

Very weak tern chick, Coffin Island, Queens County - June 22, 2024 - photo by Kathleen MacAulay

Very weak tern chick, Coffin Island, Queens County - June 22, 2024 - photo by Kathleen MacAulay

Thank you Kathleen, Alix and Bertin.

June 26, 2024 – North Brother – by Alexis Saulnier

Similarly to the events of last year, considerable chick mortality has been recorded on North Brother Island.

With the help of Kathleen, 11 recently deceased chicks were collected and sent to the Atlantic Veterinary College for analysis. Since then, results show that all chicks are negative for HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). More testing will be necessary to identify a cause of death for the chicks.

Kathleen was brought back to the shore to prepare the samples for shipping while Shawn, Luc and I returned to the island for observations. Despite the number of adult terns having dropped significantly, the remaining colony was strong and active. A large diversity of fish was brought back to the island for chick provisioning. From the blind, Shawn and I saw terns arriving from all four directions with prey, with herring and hake being the predominant prey.

Team: Shawn Craik, Kathleen MacAulay, Luc Bilodeau and Alexis Saulnier

Thank you Shawn, Kathleen, Luc and Alexis.

June 26, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern bringing hake to chick. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with mummichog. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern chick with hake. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (L03) feeding herring to chick. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X07) with hake. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with fish scrap. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with mackerel. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with mackerel. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with hake. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Kleptoparasitic Roseate Tern looking for fish from above the colony. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with silverside. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with caterpillar. North Brother - June 26, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Luc.

June 28, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

On this windy day we quickly placed 8 GoPros before taking our spots for a 2.5-hour observation block. From the blind, Alexis and I could see prey being brought onto the island from all directions, though most came in from the South and East. A lot of variety was seen including this year's first sighting of an Atlantic Saury in the beak of an Arctic Tern, some Mummichog, Butterfish, Silverside, Stickleback and even a Pollock caught by a Roseate Tern directly on the southern shore of the island. This, in addition to our usual sightings of Hake and Herring.

For the duration of our visit, 2 Great Back-Blacked Gulls stayed nearby. Either resting on rocks by the shore or flying close enough to the colony that they would get mobbed by Terns.

In addition to taking photo observations, Luc saw some kleptoparisitic behavior being practiced by Roseates. This behavior consisted mostly of air-to-air attacks from above or below by the parasite onto the host (Tern carrying fish).

While some Common Terns were seen copulating, we also have a few chicks now big enough to start attempting small flights onto branches and/or box-nests.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you Alexis, Luc and Daphnée.

June 28, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

GPS tagged Common Tern (X07) with herring. North Brother - June 28, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern feeding herring to chick. North Brother - June 28, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern with herring. North Brother - June 28, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with sandlance. North Brother - June 28, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Luc.

June 29, 2024 - Matthew's Lake (Little Harbour Lake) Tern Survey - Alix d'Entremont (from email)

Matthew's Lake, known officially as Little Harbour Lake, is open to the ocean. The narrow channel connecting the lake to the ocean often has a strong current, so it is best to avoid this area. Fortunately, I was able to contact a land owner at East Side of Ragged Island to get access to a driveway leading to Matthew's Lake (just east of Lockeport). We were able to drive the truck right to the lake to launch the small Zodiac. A tiny circular island that is at most 70 feet across, known to locals as "Nigh Island" or "Nine Island", had a total of 137 Common Tern nests when Kathleen MacAulay, Bertin d'Eon and I did the count on June 29, 2024.

The total of 137 nests does not include 21 empty nests and nests with only deceased chicks that were also found. There were 11 eggs that were not within a nest–these were likely not viable, and 27 deceased chicks. The total of dead and alive chicks is 88. With 27 dead of 88, that is 31% of chicks that were deceased. One of the chicks counted as alive was on its back and appeared as though it would likely not survive. This chick did not have blood on the legs or around the bill. While we did see lots of chick mortality, there was still a steady stream of adults bringing in prey. Here is the eBird checklist with a few more photos and more details on the nest count: https://ebird.org/checklist/S184418286

Low tide at Matthew's Lake exposes about 1 km² of sand/mud flats that are very important for migrant shorebirds. Much of the coastal property there is owned by Acadia University and the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

Alix Arthur d'Entremont (BSc. Geomatics Engineering, Editor of Nova Scotia Birds)

Matthews Lake - June 29, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Matthews Lake tern colony island - June 29, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Matthews Lake tern colony island - June 29, 2024 - photo by Alix d'Entremont

Thank you, Alix, Kathleen, and Bertin.

July 2, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

As we landed on North Brother, the adult population of Terns was estimated at 150. We did 2.5-hours of observation where we noted some variety in prey (Hake, Herring, Sandlance, Butterfish, Mummichog, Invertebrates, Rock Gunnel, Eel) and lurking Gulls.

From the blind, 7 young Arctic Terns were seen in nests along the East ridge. We entered the colony only to check on the Roseate chicks. 33 chicks were seen within their nests, though 5 more were seen wandering on the West ridge.

Identified band: - Z88 (red band, right leg) - identified on GoPro footage

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you Alexis, Luc and Daphnée.

July 2, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with wasp-like insect. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with shrimp. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with sandlance. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with pollock. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X07) feeding herring to chick. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with herring. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Arctic Tern with hake. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X11) with hake. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X21) with hake. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with sandlance. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with rock gunnel and kleptoparasitic Common Tern in pursuit. North Brother - July 2, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Luc.

July 3, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

While Shawn and Alexis did a foraging survey in the Harbour, Luc and I made our way to North Brother for observations. We placed 5 GoPros on Roseate Tern nests to get more data on feedings (prey species and size, feeding rate) before taking our respective spots in the blind and cache.

To correlate data between the Harbour and the island I alternated between the East and the other 3 directions. Although every direction had activity, the East was particularly active: Common Terns brought back confirmed Herring, Hake and Fish Bits, while Roseate Terns brought back Herring and unconfirmed Hake "lookalike" fish.

Some Common Terns were seen practicing kleptoparasitic behavior by carrying out group pursuits of Terns flying with fish. Gull presence was much lower than the previous day, with no Gulls having flown above the island. 2 Spotted Sandpipers flew around the island for most of our 3.5-hour observation. A Black Guillemot floating to the East and Harbour Seal resting on Rocks to the West were also seen on this day.

Team: Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Luc and Daphnée

July 3, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Common Tern with sandlance. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X09) with hake. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Successful kleptoparasitic catch of butterfish by a Roseate Tern (B76). North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern with double catch of sandlance. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern feeding fish scraps to chick. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with silverside. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Roseate Tern (BY0) with herring. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with possible cunner and kleptoparasitic Common Tern. North Brother - July 3, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Luc.

July 3, 2024 – Pubnico Harbour - by Alexis Saulnier

Shawn and I conducted a kayak survey in the harbour to identify foraging locations used by terns. A total of 24 locations were identified, where the largest groups were observed South of Wharf 4 at the beginning and end of our survey, roughly four hours apart. Here, we counted between 15 and 20 birds diving in a mixed flock of Common and Roseate Terns. Most terns were observed self-feeding, while a few were observed returning towards the island with prey. These flocks would correspond to the East/Southeast quadrants of our directional observations from the blind on North Brother.

Two of the dozen Roseate Terns foraging in a mixed flock South of Dennis Point Wharf #4. Pubnico Harbour - July 3, 2024 - photo by Alexis Saulnier

Team: Shawn Craik & Alexis Saulnier

Thank you, Shawn and Alexis.

July 8, 2024 – Pubnico Harbour and North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Shawn and I got ready to do a kayak foraging survey in the Harbour, though fog put a halt to our plans. Instead, we spent some time watching Terns foraging at Dennis Point, from land. A little over 20 ROST foraged to the South of the Wharf while a dozen COTE were seen diving in the lobster pound at the end of Dennis Point Road. Here, they caught large quantities of presumed Herring.

During this time, Luc and Alexis assessed the state of the colony on North Brother. After seeing a handful of nearly fledged ROST chicks, they decided it was best to do some banding right away while we would still be able to catch the chicks.

Shawn and I joined them on the island where we banded 19 ROST chicks. A few of these chicks:

ROST chick NA9, estimated between 13 and 15 days old. North Brother - July 8, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

ROST chick NM8, estimated between 20 and 23 days old. North Brother - July 8, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

ROST chick NM0, estimated between 8 and 12 days old. North Brother - July 8, 2024 - photo by Daphnée Ouellet

Although the ARTE population on North Brother has declined, 1 fledged ARTE chick was seen getting fed and a few Short-Billed Dowitchers also made an appearance. We packed up our equipment and made our way back to the mainland which was hidden behind a wall of thick fog.

Team: Alexis Saulnier, Luc Bilodeau, Shawn Craik and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Alexis, Luc, Shawn, and Daphnée

July 11, 2024 – North Brother – by Daphnée Ouellet

Even before landing on North Brother, we could tell the number of terns had dropped. With fog and few terns, directional observations would not be possible. We downloaded GPS data from the antenna and proceeded with an hour of general observations.

An estimated 35 terns were seen of which 2 were adult ARTE and the remaining split between COTE and ROST. A few COTE chicks and 10 ROST were seen amongst the dense vegetation. Of these 10 ROST chicks, 3 were confirmed banded (NA8, NA5, NB1), 3 confirmed unbanded and 4 were undetermined. 2 other ROST chicks were seen flying with adult ROST near the South ridge of the island.

Despite few terns, and fewer fish, some kleptoparasitic attempts were seen acted out by ROST. Prey of the day included Butterfish, Herring and Hake.

Team: Luc Bilodeau and Daphnée Ouellet

Thank you, Luc, and Daphnée

July 11, 2024 – North Brother - Photos by Luc Bilodeau.

Roseate Tern with herring. North Brother - July 11, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Common Tern with hake. North Brother - July 11, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

GPS tagged Common Tern (X11) with butterfish. North Brother - July 11, 2024 - photo by Luc Bilodeau

Thank you, Luc.

September 26, 2024 – A beautiful morning for a visit to North Brother to prepare the island for winter.

What we have to do is either remove the Roseate Tern nesting shelters from the island or store them somewhere on the island where they will be safe from winter storms which could wash them away. We opted to storing them inside the plywood blind as we have done for several years now without issues.

Crew: Alexis Saulnier, Juc Bilodeau, Shawn Craik and me (Ted D'Eon).

Getting the Zodiac ready for the crossing to North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 Alexis, Luc and Shawn - photo by Ted D'Eon

First thing is finding the shelters - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Then, gathering them up - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Gathering up the nesting shelters - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Under shelter #53 was the remains of a 2 week (or so) old unbanded Roseate Tern chick - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Under shelter #53 was the remains of a 2 week (or so) old unbanded Roseate Tern chick - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Transporting the shelters to the plywood blind - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Storing the ROST shelters into the blind - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Storing the ROST shelters into the blind - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Shawn Craik, knee deep in wild radish - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The south end of North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Shawn Craik at the south end of North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Shawn Craik at the south end of North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The south end of North Brother (looking to the southeast) - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The south end of North Brother (looking to the north) - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Some of the vegetation - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Some of the vegetation - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Some of the vegetation - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

Wild radish - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

More wild radish - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The strange looking vertebral column of some unknown fish? - North Brother - Sept. 26, 2024 - photo by Ted D'Eon

The number of tern nests on The Brothers - A yearly comparison Please note: The Roseate Terns may not have been finished nesting at the time of these nest counts.

Ted C. D'Eon