Refuge provides highlights of biology activities
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the results of the 2024 Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count (CBC).
At least 2,260 birds were recorded on refuge lands, spanning 57 species. Results from survey Areas 5 and 7 accounted for most of the refuge lands. Since the areas are primarily estuarine habitat, all of the commonly observed species are wading, water and shorebirds.
The Area 7 route, which includes Wildlife Drive, had most of the observed birds (1,857). Common species along the route included white ibis (533), American white pelicans (329), snowy egrets (239), least sandpipers (200), little blue heron (143), blue-winged teal ducks (84) and willet (63).
It poured rain on us at one point during the boat survey route in Area 5, but that did not stop us or the birds. We saw 403 birds in all, although we were unable to complete the full route due to tides and sunset. In Tarpon Bay, 172 American white pelicans were hanging out. Other common species along the route included double-crested cormorants (77), brown pelicans (45), sanderlings (35) and royal terns (23). We had the privilege of a watching a beautiful sunset over Tarpon Bay as we returned.
A huge shoutout to Audrey Albrecht and team with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society, who organized the CBC and processed all of the data. Thanks also to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped survey the refuge areas.