In communities across North America and here in the Virgin Islands, birders are tallying their results from the International 108th  Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society.

Participants took to the fields and coastlines from December 14, 2007 through January 5 to count the many varieties of birds that live and migrate through the Territory. Ten volunteers on Tortola noted 62 different species, with a total of 1,715 birds, and five volunteers on Anegada saw 26 species and a total of 442 birds.

The numbers were down this year, said birder Esther Georges, but she said it was too early to tell if those numbers indicated a trend in local bird populations.

Not only are birds a beautiful part of a variety of ecosystems, they are also an important indicator species – their delicate eggs and bodies are among the first animals to suffer from environmental pollution. Georges, BVI National Parks Trust (NPT) Director, said the NPT has identified and protected important bird habitats in the Territory and is working hard to protect more of them.

The hobby of birding is very popular throughout North America and Europe, and is an unexplored tourist attraction for the V.I.

Georges describes why she appreciates birds so much, and why people travel the world to see exotic and rare species.

“I love nature and birds are beautiful and live unique lifestyles, live in different environments. There are birds in different areas: ponds, seashores and in trees,” Georges said. “They are beautiful to look at and exciting in their styles of movement – not all fly, some swim and hip and hop all over the place. And they all eat different things . . .”

The NPT is working with regional conservation organisations to protect birds and their habitats. Its part of their bird programme that also includes encouraging new and young people to join the adventure of birding.

Also with the NPT, Nancy Woodfield-Pascoe said a special birding cruise recently visited the V.I. Staffed with its own bird scientist, the cruise visited islands throughout the Caribbean just to witness the bird life. Woodfield- Pascoe said there are many wonderful opportunities for birding here in the V.I., but it needs to be promoted better and landowners need to be educated about the potential of important habitats like salt ponds.

“When the visitors come here, the locals see the benefit of protecting them [habitats],” Woodfield-Pascoe said. “They don’t need any infrastructure, just need the natural site.”

NPT has information on the best birding locations – Anegada and the salt pond at Josiah’s Bay – but does not have the manpower to offer guided tours to everyone. The NPT is working with landowners on Anegada to set up stands and binoculars so visitors can see all the birds that live on Anegada – not just the famous flamingos.

Anegada is a popular stopping point for migrating birds, Woodfield-Pascoe said, because of its position in the chain of Caribbean islands and the numerous salt ponds. Several of the smaller, less populated islands are good for birding-watching by ships, because many birds nest on their remote coastline.

People need to be educated about bird nesting habits and land ownership issues before they go tromping after birds, she said, but with a good pair of binoculars and a bird book, anyone can get started into the world of birding.

The NPT is planning several bird counts this year, to count the different varieties of birds that travel through here during their migration patterns. Officials at the NPT encourage the public to contact them if they would like to be involved in the upcoming bird counts or would like more information on the hobby.

In a previous interview, this reporter was told a good place to see birds was behind the Island Department Store in Duff’s Bottoms. Without regard to private property, this reporter and a friend spent some time watching the birds float and fish in the mangrove-lined pond. When we were leaving, a man called us over to his bar, located next to the pond.

We explained why we were there, and he sternly told us that this was private property and we should ask permission the next time we came. The owners must have done some thinking, because Woodfield-Pascoe said the last time she visited that salt pond a big sign advertised “Tonic Bar and Birdwatching” and the owner spoke of preserving the salt pond, often abused in the Territory.

It is a good sign, Woodfield Pascoe agreed, when a landowner understands protecting the pond brings birds, and protecting the birds can bring visitors.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment