Thousands of elegant tern eggs were abandoned recently after an errant drone crashed amongst their nesting field at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, frightening the birds away from their natural breeding ground. The 1,300-acre coastal estuary is a premiere birding location in Southern California sought by many populations of migratory birds, including numerous tern species. Bolsa Chica is home to the largest colony of elegant terns in the United States. Found strictly along coastal areas, the elegant tern is a medium-sized, slim, long-billed species that has been nesting in California since the late 1950s. According to the Audubon Society, Elegant Terns usually lay one spotted egg each season, rarely two. After breeding, the terns move to Northern California or further in late summer and early fall, moving south again in October. With more people recreating outdoors due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ecological reserve has seen an increase in visitors, some who …