On Saturday 18th December, 18 members of the Society carried out the 30th Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Most were out from dawn to dusk counting every bird they could find on the island. Results of the count were entered directly into a data base on the National Audubon Society’s website in the US, which collates all the results for the Americas, something they have been doing for 105 years since the first count.
The purpose of the count is to look at the health of bird populations and to determine whether there are any long-term trends with particular species. The count may well provide evidence of the effects on bird populations of global warming and habitat loss. In Bermuda, we average about 8,000 birds of about 90 species. There are many more birds on the island, but the observers walk similar routes each year covering as much of the island as they can in the time available.
This year we managed 7075 birds of 92 species (with a further six species in count week). The total number of birds was down on recent years, due in no small part to the successful culling of feral pigeons which are posing a serious threat to longtail nesting, not to mention the problems they cause to farmers. The weather was windy and wet at times, but the variety of species seen was impressive. Had the count not taken place on the 18th, the Kirtland Warbler would probably never have been found – one of 20 warbler species, including a rarely seen Townsend’s Warbler in count week. Two hummingbirds were seen (probable Ruby-throated) at Port Royal GC and Orange Valley. Also unseasonal were Tree and Barn Swallows at East End Farm. A Dickcissel on the Talbot Estate was a good sighting. If a similar count was carried out every weekend – just imagine what would be found!
Results of the Bermuda CBC are available to everyone at www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
