Project ColonyWatch

By Jason Frederick, Project ColonyWatch Coordinator

Living here in Florida, we are fortunate that more than 25 species of birds gather to nest or roost in groups called "colonies." A colony can be a few nests to several thousand. They are usually located on islands, marshes or swamps, surrounded by water to prevent terrestrial predators and other disturbances. At these colonies, and from a distance, we are able to witness several species gathering in the same location and be in awe of the vast number of birds present. Unfortunately for the birds in these colonies, some of these sites are not protected. For instance, a family or a group of friends get together on one of our many spoil islands and without knowing, disturb a nest of Least Tern or one of several other species. A pet may chase, scare off, or even worse, kill a parent or nestling or even destroy the nest or eggs before they have a chance to hatch.

The goal of Project ColonyWatch is to protect the important breeding colonies of Florida's coasts through the assistance and involvement of Audubon chapters and other volunteers. ColonyWatch volunteers will use the colonies and the birds themselves as powerful educational devices to build constituency for wildlife in their local communities.

Remember, people love wildlife, especially birds, because they are colorful, active, and familiar. This project will attract attention, and the birds themselves will be their best ambassadors. Project ColonyWatch is a way for knowledgeable, involved individuals to ensure a future for wildlife in Florida. By protecting these colonial nesting sites, we can keep birds common and increase populations of birds which have been declining recently.

The Space Coast Audubon Society is taking part in Project ColonyWatch and is working with Audubon of Florida, local, state, and federal agencies to protect these important areas. What we need from volunteers is assistance in performing census counts, monitoring, locating colony sites, and mapping the county for these sites. Participating in census counts for these colonies will not only be helpful to Project ColonyWatch, but will give the participants an incredible opportunity to watch hundreds if not thousands of birds coming into roost for the night as the sun sets, leaving the observers with a Florida postcard type memory that will last a life time. If you would like to help with any or all of these, please contact me at (321) 449-9678 or by email at heyyoukidd@yahoo.com. You may also contact Audubon's Project ColonyWatch staff at (813) 623-6826 for more information and a free booklet on Project ColonyWatch.