[BCNnet] Help the Forster's Tern in Illinois and an Aspiring Eagle Scout

[David and Diane Kennedy]

Dear Bird Lovers,

As I am sure most of you already know, the Forster's Tern is a State
Endangered bird.   They nest in Illinois solely within the boundaries of
Chain O' Lakes State Park on Grass Island.  Up until last year the bird did
not nest in the Park for the previous five years because Grass Island on
which they placed their nests was completely eroded away due to wakes from
pleasure water craft.   In 1970 the island was nearly six areas in size, but
by 1997 is was totally gone!  Due to some absolutely stunning work by the
IDNR, the birds came back and nested last year on the man-made island
constructed to replace the vanished island.  Fifty-seven nests were built
and many birds fledged.

While this sounds absolutely great, and it is, there is much more to be
done.  As the island is still barren of natural vegetation, the birds still
need helping human hands to provide them suitable nesting platforms.  The
platforms this year will be mats made of a woven willow branch substructure
on to which cattail bundles will be tied.  The mats will then be either
anchored to the side of the island, partially submerged and partially
exposed, or they will be placed on anchored floating rafts.  Placement is
critical since the birds nest within 18" on the waterline.  Last year we had
no spring/early summer floods which would have destroyed the nests.  In a
perfect natural setting the birds would lay their eggs on floating
vegetation that would protect them from rising/falling waters.  But, until
the natural vegetation on Grass Island can be brought back (that starts
later this year), we will need to help with some man-made substitutes.

This year a young man is working with the IDNR to bring back the Forster's
Terns even more to the State of Illinois.  The young man is a Boy Scout and
has developed a significant, structured program to design and build these
nesting platforms as part of his ascent to Eagle Scout, the highest honor
given by the Boy Scouts of America.  And, he needs your help in performing
the work portion of this project.  On Saturday January 3, 2004 he will be
holding a work day at Chain O' Lakes State Park from 8:30 a.m. till 4:00
p.m.  For a couple hours in the morning some people will team up to collect
the natural materials needed for the mats, while other will be working in a
heated barn constructing rafts.  Later in the morning all will join together
in the heated barn to construct mats and finish the rafts.  Lunch, snacks,
and hot/cold drinks will be provided.  The Scout is looking for volunteers
to help out.  Would you be interested in working for a couple hours, half of
a day, or the whole day?  Short of a winter blizzard, the day will go on
rain, snow, or shine.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at the contact
information below.

I, an adult Assistant Scoutmaster, am posting this message instead of the
Scout because of Scouting youth protection measures and the Internet.  I
trust you will understand.

Come out and join young men and women (and some of us older types, too) to
help the Forster's Tern in Illinois.  Get the new year off to a great start!

David Kennedy
Arlington Heights, Illinois
(847) 392-5614 Home phone
dkennsail@comcast.net

P.S.  Amazing, soon to be documented inter-species cooperation between an
Eagle and Forster's Terns . . . another first in the State no doubt.