Latest news with #ChristmasBirdCount
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands' Annual Bird Count Highlights Conservation Success
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations. Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team. 'This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife,' DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said. The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye. These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota. The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern. Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian. Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course. These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability. 'This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat,' Santos said. The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas. The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research. By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats. DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. 'Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems,' Santos said.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands' Annual Bird Count Highlights Conservation Success
, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations. Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team. "This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife," DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said. The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye. These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota. The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern. Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian. Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course. These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability. "This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat," Santos said. The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas. The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research. By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats. DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. "Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems," Santos said.
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Northern Mariana Islands' annual bird count highlights conservation success
On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Photo: Mark Rabago The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations. Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team. "This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife," DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Photo: Mark Rabago The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye. These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota. The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern. Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian. Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course. These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability. "This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat," Santos said. The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas. The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Photo: Mark Rabago Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research. By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats. DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. "Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems," Santos said.
CBC
02-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Spotting a bald eagle in London could be a more common sight
It can be a special moment when you spot a bald eagle soaring through the sky or perched in a tree. The mighty birds of prey, which were long considered endangered until 2023, are now growing in population across southwestern Ontario. They feast mostly on fish, which makes London an ideal home during the winter with the Thames River flowing and Fanshawe Lake. "Now is actually a really good time of year to see bald eagles in southwestern Ontario," said Brendon Samuels, a PhD candidate at Western University and coordinator of Bird Friendly London. "They're a migratory species, so they move around the continent at different times of the year. Right now, they're hanging around in more southerly parts of the country to be where their food is." The bald eagle population was in decline for decades because of an insecticide called DDT, which is now banned. The majestic birds have since made a comeback and are now listed as an animal of "special concern." "Bald eagle populations had really declined in past decades due to several factors, but we're starting to see them rebound," said Samuels. "That said, bald eagles still face threats. They're very susceptible to lead poisoning from hunters using lead ammunition, and they can also be poisoned by rodenticides, which are often used to manage pests in buildings." Every year, Bird Friendly London organizes an event called the Christmas Bird Count, where volunteers count birds across the city. According to Samuels, the bald eagle count has been relatively high, with up to 50 sightings. Bald eagles typically breed over the winter months, so it might also be possible to spot some young eagles in the coming weeks. "You might see some juveniles, which tend to look really dark, whereas adult bald eagles have that distinctive bright white head. When they're young, their heads are brown," said Samuels. Bald eagles can grow to a height of nearly one metre with a wing span two metres. Their vocalization doesn't match their impressive size, as they deliver a high-pitched peep. While bald eagles don't pose a threat to humans, Samuels said it's important to respect their space. If you spot a bald eagle, you can contribute to citizen science by taking a photo and sharing it on a platform such as iNaturalist or eBird. Data from those platforms helps researchers track population recovery and better understand the birds' movements.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Winter bird watch reveals Schuylkill's most common species
While much of the recent attention locally has been on the Eagles, a group of volunteers from western Schuylkill County has been more focused on birds of all types. Those folks took part in the recent Christmas Bird Count that the National Audubon Society conducts each year across the western hemisphere, and they tallied how many bird species and numbers within those species they spotted in a 24-hour period. One local count was done in late December in western Schuylkill, where 18 people took to various forests and fields in the Tremont and Pine Grove area looking for birds, and have now tabulated the results. The birders witnessed 73 species, some of which they saw by the hundreds, and others just single birds. And the most commonly seen species this year? The dark-eyed junco, a small sparrow that thrives in woodlands and flocks around backyard feeders. There were 992 of them seen by observers, followed by European starlings at 696, and Canada geese at 533. A white-breasted nuthatch partakes in a meal at a bird feeder at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The census is important to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action, according to officials with Audubon, which since 1900 has had volunteer observers conduct the count in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. In western Schuylkill, the watch has been led for the last 20 years by Dave Kruel of Pottsville, who said that a one-year snapshot doesn't tell too much about what's happening with the local environment, but that by combining counts over time you can see trends that reveal the consequences of climate change, pollution and habitat loss. For instance, locally in the years following the end of the Conservation Reserved Enhancement Program — which used to encourage farmers to leave some of their fields fallow — that land has been used for agriculture. Since then there have been no local sightings of short-eared owls, which used to come to that land to hunt mice and other food sources. 'We absolutely know that every year, a magnitude of habitat on a finite sized globe is lost to roads, homes, shopping malls, houses, industrial, agriculture, etc.,' Kruel said. As a result, you can see reduced numbers of birds in those areas, he said. 'That's the power of quality habitat,' he said. 'It means everything to most non-human species. It's life and death.' A tufted titmouse leaps into flight at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) While the count is valuable from a conservation standpoint, it's also fun to see which birds are here each winter, and which exceeded their ten-year averages, he said. It was exciting to see three new count species, those being wood ducks, ring-necked Ducks and horned grebe, he said. 'Those along with the cackling geese, gadwall, green-winged teal, bufflehead, and two mergansers made for a really nice selection of water birds that we typically don't see on the count,' he said. The birders also saw new maximum counts for several species, including killdeer, screen owls, flickers, hermit thrush, American pipits and red-bellied woodpeckers, the latter of which had 72 witnessed. The volunteers saw one catbird, which is usually only here in the summer. And there were 17 common ravens, more than double the 10-year average for a bird that many mistake for crows, Kruel said. People don't even realize common ravens visit Schuylkill County, he said, adding, 'Their numbers have really grown.' Regarding bald eagles, six were seen, slightly below the 10-year average of eight, he said. A tufted titmouse sits perched on a branch at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Next on the calendar for local birders is the Great Backyard Bird Count from Feb. 14-17, a global event held annually by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society. For more information go to
