On Sunday 16th December, the Bermuda Audubon Society carried out its 27th Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Eleven members of the society, all experienced birders, were out from dawn to dusk counting every bird they could find on the island. Results of the count were compiled by Eric Amos and sent by computer to the National Audubon Society in the US, which collates all the results for the Americas, something they have been doing for 102 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 to the effects on bird populations of global warming and habitat loss. Our numbers were slightly down this year, but that was mainly due to the weather, dull conditions and a stiff breeze for much of the day. We did manage 88 species of birds, which is an average number for a CBC in Bermuda. Over 7,500 birds were counted altogether. 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.
Two species had never been recorded on the CBC before. House Wrens very rarely reach Bermuda from the North American continent, but one heard singing at St. George’s Cemetery was one of two
birds known to have arrived there this winter.
A Blue Grosbeak on the Heydon Trust property was unexpected. Seen commonly in the fall months, this species has usually migrated far to our south for the winter. Other unusual birds found on the count included a Black-legged Kittiwake (a small gull), a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (a woodpecker) and two Red-winged Blackbirds. Nearly twenty species of tiny wood warblers were also seen.
The count day was not without incident. One observer, who had better remain nameless, was bundled into the back of a police car following the report of a prowler in a neighbour’s property. Fortunately he didn’t fit the description and was immediately released. Another participant lost his bike keys and later lost his field guide (both were recovered some days later!)
Results of the Bermuda CBC are available to everyone at www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
