Floating nests and decoys: how fairy terns are being charmed back to Port Phillip Bay

As a beach-nesting bird, Australian fairy terns often lay their eggs on wide sandy beaches next to clear blue water – exactly the sort of places people enjoy for recreation. Photograph: Dr Claire Greenwell

It’s an attractive piece of real estate – coastal living in a safe neighbourhood with waterfront views, 55km south-west of Melbourne. The floating island, installed at the Avalon coastal reserve on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, features sand and shell grit floorings, and twigs and branches for cozy nooks.

It has been specially designed for Australian fairy terns by BirdLife’s waterbird program manager, Chris Purnell, who has deployed some unusual tactics to charm them.