Weather, predation, diseases, and parasites affect black tern populations, but are not new threats. Human disturbance is a factor. As with all tern species, incubating or brooding black terns will leave the nest at the approach of people. Repeated or prolonged disturbance may increase the likelihood of abandonment, predation, or exposure to inclement weather. People viewing black terns or travelling near a nesting colony should keep at a distance so the birds are not disturbed.
Terns are birds of great energy and mystery.
They make great journeys to southern continents. We must hope they will return each year to raise young on our border marshes, and we must do what we can in this small section of the world to protect them.