Terns
There are four regularly occurring tern species in Wisconsin: the common tern, Forster's tern, Caspian tern, and black tern. All four species of terns are on the state's endangered species list.
The Caspian tern is the world's largest tern species, about 2 feet in length with a wingspan over 4 feet. The common tern, Forster's tern, and black tern incubate their eggs for approximately three to four weeks their young take flight at about three to four weeks of age. Caspian terns take about four weeks to incubate their eggs, and their sound do not fly until five or six weeks of age.
Lake Puckaway is one of the very few nesting grounds that terns seek out. LPPRD takes part in helping safeguard such endangered species by providing "tern rafts" on the east end of the lake for the terns to better nest on. The terns nest on the "tern rafts," Pancake Island, and the Dredgebank. In 2023, Lake Puckaway had the largest number of nesting Forster's terns in the state!
Tern Rafts
LPPRD places "tern rafts" at the east end of the lake in spring/summer. "Tern rafts" are essentially modified pontoon boats that allow the terns to better nest. The use of artificial nesting platforms is a means to halt or slow the decline of tern populations. This project is monitored by longtime DNR cooperator Daryl Christensen, who then provides an end-of-the-year report to LPPRD.
