Insights into the Hidden Lives of Terns and Gulls

Illustrated talk on current research activities on neighboring Great Gull Island presented at the Museum September 14, 2025, by Dr. Peter Paton, Professor, Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island.

Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty

Great Gull Island is the breeding and nesting home to 11,000 pairs of Common Terns and 2,200 pairs of endangered Roseate Terns. Using recent advances in tracking technology, scientists and volunteers are monitoring not only annual migration from Great Gull to wintering haunts in Argentina and Brazil, but also daily foraging trips to Montauk and Napatree, a journey of 16+ miles, to capture fish for their nesting chicks. Recent discoveries of migratory patterns of Great Black-backed Gulls nesting on South Dumpling and Block Island will also be revealed. This talk reminds us all what amazing feathered neighbors we have!