Least Terns Hatching In Oklahoma

There's a healthy habitat for an endangered species of bird.  The News On 6's Emory Bryan reports the interior least tern migrates from Central and South America each year to hatch their young in Oklahoma.

They are considered endangered, but they've found a safe spot in the Arkansas River not far from downtown.

The barren island in Zink Lake is a sanctuary for the least tern.  They prefer sandy nesting spots where they lays eggs right out in the open.

"Unless you really know what you're looking for, you won't see it," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Kevin Stubbs.

Normally, people aren't allowed on the island, but with an escort, The News On 6 was able to get pictures of the birds and their chicks, which were so hot they were panting.

Their coloring is a natural camouflage and by instinct the chicks freeze when the adults sense danger and start screeching.  They blend in well enough to avoid some predators, but not people.

"If somebody is walking or running around on a 4-wheeler they won't see them in time to avoid them, so they'll just get squashed," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Kevin Stubbs.

From the shore, the screeching terns attract attention, even though most people probably don't realize an endangered species is flourishing nearby.

"We just report how many birds are there to see if the numbers are going up," said Tonya Dunn with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitors the birds and reported a peak of 70 nests this summer, which counts as a surprising comeback.

"Last year there was a lot of water and they didn't have a chance to nest on the Arkansas like they normally do, but this year, they're doing really well," said Tonya Dunn with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Zink Island is man made, but so successful as a nesting site, the Fish and Wildlife Service might build more islands further downstream.

When new dams are built in the river, new nesting sites might have to be built, too, probably downstream from Jenks to make sure the birds have a place to nest.