is about the bird-to-human relationship between conservationists and an endangered species of migratory bird. The California least tern, formerly considered abundant along the coast of California and Baja California (Mexico), has a declining population of about 3,500 breeding pairs.

While little is publicly known about the California least tern in the United States and Mexico, this species offers many unique insights on connectivity, our relationship with the natural world and the importance of protecting our shared coasts. Through movement, the California least tern connects different breeding colonies surpassing barriers like protective fencing, cities and even international borders. To protect one nest site is to be a part of something bigger. It is all connected. Its status as a conservation-reliant species emphasizes the nuanced nature of human interaction. More people can mean more human disturbance, but it can also mean more eyes on the nest sites. Humans are not just the problem, they are also part of the solution. 

This is an ongoing project that, in parallel with the scientists working to establish connectivity between the birds, documents the human connection in the conservation of the California least tern. All images of birds in the field required the supervision of a permitted scientist and adhered to strict processes (time on-site, usage of a blind, telephoto lens) to minimize disturbance.