Improving monitoring techniques for nests of interior least terns and piping plovers

Least terns and piping plovers are the subject of numerous population monitoring efforts.  Population monitoring requires periodic visits to nesting areas to count and assess breeding status of the birds.  At higher visit frequencies, detection of nests and chicks improves as does ability to determine outcomes of nesting attempts, resulting in more complete and accurate productivity information.  But, frequent visits may affect productivity of birds by altering nest attendance or behavioral patterns.  This study uses concealed miniature video cameras to: 1) observe responses of nesting least terns and piping plovers to human activities typically associated with population monitoring (i.e., nest visits, adult trapping, chick banding); 2) evaluate accuracy of nest fate (success vs. failure) determined by field evidence obtained at various visitation frequencies.; and, 3) describe composition of the nest predator community on the Missouri River.  Results will aid management agencies in designing accurate population monitoring programs that minimize impacts on the birds, thereby improving quality of monitoring datasets and contributing to species recovery.