St. Croix Caribbean Waterbird Census 2014

All across the Caribbean for the next two weeks individuals on different islands will be counting waterbirds. The reason for this is to promote the idea that conserving wetland areas for migrating and resident waterbirds is beneficial to wildlife and human populations. The birds are protected on their journeys across the world by delineating areas where they can refuel before continuing on.  Humans can participate by adding to the scientific data compiled during this time.

“The overall goal is to learn more about the distribution, status, and abundance of waterbirds in the Caribbean and to improve our conservation planning and management of these beautiful birds and their habitats.” Birds Caribbean

On St. Croix we only have three teams of observers consisting of two people each trying to cover the large wetlands used by migrating and resident birds. Great Pond, Southgate, Mannings Bay, Coakley, Mt. Fancy, the Lowry Hill Ponds, West End Salt Pond and a section of Salt River Bay will be censused. The counts are done twice; one week apart to collect as much information about the habitat, climate, and bird populations using the scientific method. All the collected data will be put on E-bird Caribbean where anyone can access it.

Waterbirds travel incredible distances during migration. Some have been tracked through the use of satellites attached to their backs. Some Whimbrels, for instance, breed in Alaska migrate through Northern Canada out to the Atlantic then down through the Caribbean and on to South America for the winter. A few, such as our famous Hope the Whimbrel, spend their winters here on St. Croix and other Caribbean islands.

Although some may think counting birds is a waste of time there are benefits involved with trying to protect birds. Fishermen are led to fish by following sea birds. Birds pollinate and eat insects that otherwise we would consider pests. They eat cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and beetles. Hawks eat rats and mice. Birds are the garbage collectors picking up waste such as animal carcasses crushed on roads that we don’t notice. Birds spread seeds and enrich the soil with their poop.  While birding today is big business in many parts of the world, here on St. Croix we still haven't tapped into it. Bird watching connects us all to nature in ways that can even be done from the comfort of your home.

So here in the Caribbean we are celebrating the migrating birds return after their long journey from the breeding grounds. August through October can be full of surprises as new and old birds drop in to refuel or stay for the winter. If you have a hankering to learn more about the birds on St. Croix the Environmental Association conducts birding seminars throughout the year. Join SEA http://stxenvironmental.org and receive their notices about upcoming events.

See ya next week