Arroyo and San Lorenzo Earth Team interns spent part of their Spring Break exploring VA Alameda Point on Alameda Island. Once a naval air station, this 600-acre plot of land is now managed by the VA and serves as critical breeding habitat for migratory birds. During the visit, interns met with Fish and Wildlife Biologist Susan Euing to learn about one of these species: the California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni).
Upon arrival, Susan introduced the ecological significance of the site. What first appeared to be an old airstrip quickly revealed itself as a thriving habitat. As the group moved closer to the tern nesting area, a 9.7-acre stretch of sand at the center of the base, they began to notice increasing signs of wildlife. They passed Monterey cypress trees filled with great blue heron nests and small wetlands supporting nesting avocets before arriving at Susan’s office and the tern staging area.
The goal for the day was to place pre-made tern shelters throughout the habitat. These shelters, made of wood or terra cotta, provide protection for nesting adults and newly hatched chicks from predators. In recent years, predators such as peregrine falcons and common ravens have reduced hatch success rates by nearly 50%. Timing was critical, as the terns were expected to arrive within days.
Just as the work was set to begin, the rain rolled in. Interns briefly took shelter in the office, learning more about tern life cycles and nesting behavior, before heading out into the field. Equipped with ponchos and gloves, they got to work despite the weather. By the end of the day, interns had successfully placed over 200 shelters across the habitat.
Earth Team extends a sincere thank you to Susan Euing for hosting the visit and sharing her expertise. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved. We also thank the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Alameda County Fish and Game Commission for their support in making this opportunity possible.
