South Brevard CBC Update

South Brevard CBC Update

By Roy Book, SB CBC Compiler

On Sunday, January 2, 12 teams set out prior to sunrise. The task of these 53 volunteers was to count all the birds they could find in a 15-mile circle that straddles the Brevard and Indian River county line. The weather was very accommodating with daytime temperatures in the high 70’s, a few sprinkles in the morning but lots of sun for the remainder of the day. By sunset, 159 species, including the Muscovy Ducks, (a new count record) and 28,546 individual birds were recorded for the day!

While obtaining an accurate count is the primary goal, competition between teams is always evident. Keeping in mind that all assigned areas do not have the various habitats required for a “big day,” Team 1 headed up by Charlie Cobb had the most species seen with 95. This was followed closely by the Dan Click team with 91.

Highlights of the count were a Red-necked Phalarope reported by Jack Taylor’s nautical group, a Magnificent Frigatebird seen by Nita Baker’s team, an American Pipit and Long-billed Dowitchers located by David Simpson and Dee Fairbanks, a Broad-winged Hawk by Dan Click’s team, two Snail Kites located by Ralph Bird and company, an Ash-throated Flycatcher found by Andy Bankert and Eastern Bluebirds seen by two of the teams. There were a total of 22 Bald Eagles, 13 duck species, four owl species, and eight woodpecker species (but only one Red-cockaded located this year). Thirteen species of warblers were seen including Black-throated Green reported by two teams and three Prothonotary warblers observed by Caroline and Kevin Lewis of Judy Elseroad’s team.

On the negative side, the following was written on the tally sheet of Jack Taylor’s team whose area included Pelican Island. “Pelican Island, the star of our area, was devastated by the hurricanes. Except for a handfull of Brown Pelicans and several Black Vultures there were no birds roosting today. There were a few White Pelicans and Comorants on the shoreline.”

“Well done” to everyone who participated, the count could not be done without you. Also appreciated is the support received from both the Space Coast and Pelican Island Audubon Society Chapters. With your continued support, next year’s South Brevard Christmas Bird Count should be even more exciting.