Birds of Richardson Bay Sanctuary

In 2014, Richardson Bay volunteers conducting a shorebird survey observed a Black Oystercatcher that appeared to be sitting on a nest on Aramburu Island. The location of this nest was on the newly constructed shoreline habitat of Aramburu Island, a location specifically designed as part of the Aramburu Island Enhancement Project to attract shorebirds such as the oystercatchers. Since then, Black Oystercatchers have successfully fledged chicks on Aramburu Island each summer due to the diligent efforts of our staff and volunteers.

At the Richardson Bay Audubon Center, Caspian terns are one of the most common birds spotted on the nearby Aramburu Island, but there has never been an active breeding colony observed. Restoring this dredge spoil island has been an ongoing project for years, with staff and volunteers planting native plants and removing invasive plants regularly. The western shoreline has been reconstructed with sand, rock, and shells to prevent erosion, which also serves as nesting substrate for the terns. Additionally, there are few mammalian predators on the island which makes it a safer breeding habitat. The hope is to start a new colony on this suitable habitat in spring by attracting terns with decoys.