The 114th Annual Christmas Bird Count was completed on Sunday, Dec. 15, and the final tallies have been submitted to the Audubon Society. On St. Croix: 3,779 birds were counted with 65 different species sighted. The total was a decline from last year’s tally, showing a decrease of 1,098 birds.
Organizer Bill Boyton identified two possible reasons for the decline. “Our volunteers this year were eight less than last year’s crew, and we covered fewer sights around the island. Sunday brought light to heavy rain, and very hard-blowing and gusty winds out of the east. Many birds were "hunkered" down and remained unseen as the unpleasant weather blew across the island.”
Despite the weather, bird watchers spread out to golf courses, ponds and wetlands across the island, tally sheets and bird identification books in hand. Over 27 volunteers traveled a total of 305 vehicle miles (including a boat trip to Buck Island and back) and walked 42 miles, for a total of 133 total hours spent counting.
Some of the many special birding "delights" that were reported included: observation of three kestrels "hang-gliding" off the north shore coastline of Buck Island in a 25 mph headwind; spotting St Croix’s "resident" American flamingo, which was seen again this year at Great Pond; seeing three whimbrels at Great Pond. Unfortunately "Hope," the island’s celebrity whimbrel that winters here every year was not among the count, but she has been seen in residence prior to count day.
All this year’s participants have agreed that they will be up for the count next December. In the meantime, people who would like to become bird watchers can attend events planned throughout the year by the St. Croix Environmental Association that help inform people about the birds of the island and their identification (www.stxenvironmental.org). Information about the Christmas Bird Count and its results will be available online at www.audubon.org after the count’s completion in January.