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Brevard Zoo Welcomes SCAS for January General Meeting Great Backyard Bird Count Begins February 18 Many Audubon Birders Participate in Christmas Bird Counts |
Cocoa CBC ResultsBy Nedra Sekera and Dick Novier, Co-compilersThe Cocoa CBC was held on December 18 with fairly good weathe, 11 teams participating, resulting in 158 species total. Highlights of the day were Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Broad-winged Hawk, Caracara (really extending their range east and north), White-winged Doves (regulars now at a local feeder), Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at four different locations and two species, Tufted Titmice, Eastern Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings (regulars at feeders), and 13 species of warblers including a Cape May, 2 Bay-breasted retaining bay-colored sides, American Redstart, and a Henslow Sparrow.
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There
was a major loss of habitat. The largest area gone is the former
Duda Ranch which has become the new town of Viera. Unfortunately
the Wetlands are not in the count circle. Another area, the former
Mosqutio Control Dike surrounding an impoundment and backing to
the river on Merritt Island is now privately owned and no access
is permitted. The Viera Golf Course has a fenced preserve which
they graciously gave not only access to but transportation around.
It is mostly wetlands but has a family of scrub jays (they must
be really hard up in Brevard County.) Almost every team without
fail reported homes built on previously vacant lots and clear cutting
of wooded hammocks. That coupled with the severely damaged areas
from the hurricanes may have contributed to the overall low numbers
for each species. Thanks to all who participated and also to those
who provided and served the delicious dinner prior to the tally.