The Bermuda Audubon Society has just completed its 32nd annual Christmas Bird Count. Twenty members of the Society counted every bird from dawn to dusk on 17th Dec as well as adding any additional species seen during the week. Nearly 7,000 individual birds were recorded of exactly 100 species. Mr. Andrew Dobson, who coordinated this year’s count, stated, “Some unusual species were seen this year. New species for Bermuda’s count included a Grey Heron at Tucker’s Town Bay, a bird that is common on the other side of the Atlantic. A Northern Mockingbird on Boaz Island was also a new, a species that is very common in North America, but rarely seen in Bermuda. Other unusual species included a Snow Goose on Belmont golf course, a hummingbird in St. David’s (photo by Andrew Dobson) and a Surf Scoter on Mangrove Lake. Two globally endangered species of birds were recorded, our own national bird, the Cahow, and the Piping Plover, a small shorebird which breeds in the eastern US and Canada. However, 52% of all birds recorded were starlings, kiskadees or sparrows – all invasive species which shouldn’t really be in Bermuda and they have certainly had an impact on our local birds. The low numbers of migrant warblers continues a depressing downward trend in the population of these species. It is a reflection of loss of habitat in summer (breeding grounds) and wintering areas and in some cases the effects of global warming. “Mr. Dobson went on to say: “Citizen Science is a way for people to connect with the natural world through fun activities that generate vital information for the conservation of birds. This partnership benefits us all: observers learn about birds by taking part in these science-based activities, and Audubon’s science staff gains invaluable information. Most importantly, the birds benefit because it helps Audubon focus on those birds and habitats that need our help most.” Count results will be available as they are entered onto the National Audubon website www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
32nd Christmas Bird Count 2006
Bird Report Archive | December 17, 2006
