TERN NESTING

The Forster’s Terns look so similar to the Common Terns that they were not recognized as a separate species until 1831. They were named after Johann Reinhold Forster, a German pastor-naturalist who accompanied Captain Cook around the world in 1772.

Forster’s Terns eat small fish and insects. They nest at 4 years of age and usually lay 3 eggs. The eggs are brown or olive in color with dark brown dots or lines. Both the male and female share in the nesting duties until the eggs hatch, which is usually about 24 days.

Forster’s Terns’ nesting colonies are most common in lower Green Bay, Lake Puckaway (Green Lake County), and Lake Poygan and Rush Lake (Winnebago County). Remember; if you find a tern colony or nest do not disturb it.