Summary

Description

As part of ongoing research into the status of Vermonts marsh birds, a statewide census of the black tern nesting population was undertaken again in the year 2000. The recent trend of higher percentages of black tern nesting concentrated at the north end of Lake Champlain continued in 2000, with all nesting being in and around the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. This is a large protected wetland complex so it is probably the best area in Vermont for terns to concentrate. This report takes a look at marsh bird population trends within certain marshes in Vermont, and investigates the effect of water level and marsh vegetation changes on marsh bird numbers.