Andrew Dobson
In conjunction with National Audubon in the US, the Bermuda Audubon Society held its 39th CBC on 29th December 2013. Features of this year’s count included:
– 8,370 individual birds were counted (almost identical with last year’s total)
– 99 species of birds (101 in 2012, 88 in 2011, 101 in 2010, 100 in 2009)
– Record counts for American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Semipalmated Plover and Mourning Dove.
– House Sparrow was the most common species (17.8% of the count)
Nineteen members of the Society counted every bird from dawn to dusk as well as adding any additional species seen during the week. Thousands of individual birds were recorded of 99 species. Additional species seen in Count Week (3 days either side of the count day) take the total to over 100 species. This year’s CBC went very well and we recorded an above average number of species. 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, over 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. Highlights this year included the recording of 20 species of wood warbler, 19 species of wildfowl (with record numbers of American Wigeon and Northern Pintail) and 11 species of shorebird (including a record 12 Semipalmated Sandpipers). The results are submitted to the National Audubon Society in the US as part of a continent-wide study of birds that has been running for over 100 years. 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
