In conjunction with National Audubon in the States, the Bermuda Audubon Society held its 34th CBC on 27th December 2008. Features of this year’s count included:
- 7,483 individual birds were counted (very similar to last year’s total)
- 96 species of birds (95 in 2007 and 100 in 2006)
- One new species for count day
- European Starling was the most common species (20% of the count)
- Nearly 250 species have now been record on the CBC in Bermuda since 1975
Nineteen members of the Society counted every bird from dawn to dusk as well as adding any additional species seen during the week. Considerable effort went into planning the count, with the observers dividing the island up into nine areas. Completing much of the census on foot, observers also used car, bike, boat and golf carts! Some unusual species were seen this year. The Ross’s Goose was the one new species for Bermuda’s count, which had been in Bermuda for some weeks. In fact it was a good count for wildfowl species with three species of geese and 15 duck species. Spittal Pond hosted a record 20 Hooded Mergansers, while Mangrove Lake had record flocks of Ring-necked Duck and Lesser Scaup. Two globally endangered Piping Plovers were recorded – a small shorebird which occasionally winters in Bermuda. The similar sized Semipalmated Plover was another record breaker with a flock of 10 birds at Spanish Point. However, about 50% 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. 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 National Audubon’s science staff gain invaluable information. Most importantly, the birds benefit because it helps Audubon focus on those birds and habitats that need our help most.
CBC results will be available as they are entered onto the National Audubon website www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
