Endangered bird spotted on base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Beth Orlen
  • 314th Airlift Wing Strategic Information Flight
It's not that often people say they've seen an endangered bird on base. In fact, it's never been said - until now.
James Popham, the Little Rock Air Force Base Natural Resources manager, was conducting an inspection recently of the Canadian geese that like to take up temporary residence on the base when he saw something else.
"I saw this bird and thought it was (the Least Tern), but I needed to make sure," he said.
The Least Tern is currently on the endangered species list due to changes or elimination of its natural habitat and the disruption of the nesting areas from people and animals, according to Lindsey Lewis, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist.
After identifying the tern had taken up residence on the base, Mr. Popham went to the Fish and Wildlife Service for confirmation.
But what was the big deal that a few birds were living on the base?
"This discovery is interesting for a strange reason that most people wouldn't expect," said Mr. Lewis. "We believe that it is an indication of habitat decline on the Arkansas River. Birds migrate up river looking for nesting habitat and when they can't find that habitat there they start looking elsewhere. Along the gulf coast and in Texas Least Terns have been observed nesting on flat gravel roof topped buildings in areas where habitat has substantially declined. We believe this is the first indication of Least Tern doing so in Arkansas."
Having the terns nest on the base rooftops causes problems for both the birds and the people that live and work here.
"Roof tops have been documented to be poor habitats and typically have poor nest success; however, the Terns apparently see any habitat as better than no habitat. Roof tops are often too hot, prone to flash flood, and young birds unable to fly and not understanding that they are on an elevated building have been known to run over the side while fleeing predators or people." People are also at risk by being surprised by the birds when getting onto the roof tops.
Rooftop access is for trained maintenance personnel, for the safety of everyone and everything involved, said Mr. Popham.
While the traditional nesting season is over for the Terns, who should have flown to South America for the winter, people are being asked to not disturb the small birds if they come across them.
"It is unlikely that anyone would encounter the birds before or after this period of time (May-August), but if they do they should notify the natural resources manager and avoid disturbing or harming the birds," said Mr. Lewis.
As to future sightings of the birds, Mr. Lewis thinks it might not be the last time.
"There is no way to know if they will continue to visit this area, if this was a one time event, or if their numbers and use of this area will increase, ... (but) if I had to guess, I would say that we may see them there for the next few years until habitat is restored and improved along the Arkansas River," he said.
Editor's note: If you have seen the Least Tern, report the sighting to Mr. Popham at 987-3681 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 501-513-4470.