It is neat to hear reports of black terns around the state. This is the
time of year these terns, almost certainly from nesting grounds north of
Ohio, begin their fall movements south to salt-water winter habitats in
central America. A century ago, they were regarded as very common summer
residents and breeders in marshes up in northern Ohio, but it seems to
have been human alterations of their habitat--especially aquatic
vegetation--that drove them away. Trautman described draining of their
marsh breeding grounds to allow crops to be grown and especially for
waterfowl to be hunted in season. Now an Ohio tern nest is big news.
Even farther north, they are hard to find; Michigan birders report that
black terns are being harassed by alien introduced swans--mutes and
trumpeters--in their ancestral breeding grounds. I can't imagine Ohio's
introduced swans have helped, either. Anyway, this is prime time to see
members of this remnant population on their way south, and if you're
lucky you can still see these slinky black beauties over a variety of
watery settings on their way.
Bill Whan
Columbus

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