Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) volunteers and staff counted an impressive 12,104 individual birds from 100 different species in December as part of the islands’ contribution to the National Audubon Society’s 125th Christmas Bird Count (CBC).
The CBC is one of the longest-running citizen science projects worldwide. For over 60 years, SCCF has partnered with local conservation organizations, including the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, to ensure the success of the Sanibel-Captiva CBC.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
“Over the years, several challenges have threatened to halt the event—Hurricane Ian in 2022 being a notable example—but the dedicated birders of Sanibel and Captiva have always found a way to make it happen,” said SCCF shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht, who coordinated the count.
This year’s results marked the highest recorded totals since 2020, with participation from over 100 volunteers.
Factors Affecting the Count
According to Albrecht, several factors influence bird count numbers, including weather conditions, habitat changes, volunteer participation, and site accessibility.
“Following Hurricane Ian, entry to the island was restricted, and many key areas were inaccessible,” she explained. “In 2023, although volunteer numbers increased, unfavorable weather conditions still limited observations. Despite hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024, habitat conditions have significantly improved compared to previous years.”
Top Bird Species Observed
The three most commonly recorded species this year were:
- Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- White ibis (Eudocimus albus)
- Fish crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Unexpected Sightings
A few rare visitors made an appearance, including:
- Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
- Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
“While burrowing owls are common in Lee County, spotting them on Sanibel or Captiva is quite rare,” Albrecht noted. “The snow goose was found near a golf course—an uncommon sight but not the first instance of one appearing in Lee County.”
A flamingo also made an appearance on the islands just one day after the count, but unfortunately, it was too late to be included in the official data.
A Community Effort
“This event would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers,” Albrecht emphasized. “Their enthusiasm and commitment make this count a success year after year.”
With this year’s impressive numbers and unexpected visitors, the SCCF continues to contribute valuable data to conservation efforts, showcasing the resilience of both birds and the community that cherishes them.
