Sunday, July 17th was dubbed “Arctic Chick Roundup!” We spent the entire day searching for nearly-fledged Arctic terns and banding them. Our goal is to band at least 200, and as of tonight we banded 130 – leaving 70 for tomorrow. Carefully combing the grass required a lot of knee bending, and all of us ...have sore knees to show for it. Additionally, the thick vegetation isn’t kind to anybody with allergies. I was ok, but some on our team were wearing face masks, and still coughing and sneezing.
It was a lot of work, but the pleasant weather and excellent company combined with the thrill of discovering a hidden chick made the day go by quickly. We were really trying to get as many chicks banded as possible, because soon they will start taking their first flights, which naturally makes it nearly impossible to catch them. We actually saw our first official tern “fledger” today – his awkward flight and lack of tail made him stand out in the swirling crowd of graceful, long-tailed adults. Additionally, the weather forecast calls for rain tomorrow, and the rain and resulting wet grass will delay banding until things dry out.
Amazingly enough, the chicks can actually be banded when they are newly hatched – their legs are nearly full-size. But unless they are part of a feeding, growth or production study we don’t band them until we are fairly sure they are going to make it, as there is a fairly high mortality rate due to predation from gulls, inclement weather, or if their parents have difficulties finding suitable fish to feed them.
Since it was Sunday, there were quite a few pleasure cruisers drifting by in their boats. I could see them peering at us through their binoculars, and our waves were always returned with friendly, enthusiastic waves. Matinicus Rock is off-limits during seabird breeding season, so as not to disrupt the birds, but the rest of the year the island is open to exploration.
We’re having a late dinner, and I have to go and see if my breadsticks are done rising. Only two more full days on the island – let’s hope they’re not too rainy!
