Colonial nesting birds in Biscayne National Park: 2021–2022 nesting year summary
Muxo R and Whelan KR. 2024. Colonial nesting birds in Biscayne National Park: 2021–2022 nesting year summary. Science Report. NPS/SR—2024/184. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2304740
The habitats within Biscayne National Park consist of rocky coast lines, Biscayne Bay (a shallow water bay), over 40 mangrove islands, and coral reefs. This ecosystem lies near the large metropolitan area of Miami, suburban development, a nuclear power plant, and has several canals that drain from the mainland into Biscayne National Park or close to park boundaries. As a result of the park’s proximity to a large population, it endures heavy usage. The park is a popular destination for anglers and boaters. All the aforementioned factors put stressors on the park ecosystem. The South Florida/Caribbean Network has developed a long-term monitoring program that focuses on the colonial nesting birds that use park resources for foraging, roosting, and nesting. The South Florida/Caribbean Network uses monthly helicopter flights to survey nine nesting colonies in or near the park. The nine colonies monitored are: Kings Road, Mangrove Key, West Arsenicker Key, Arsenicker Key, Jones Lagoon, Ragged Key 4, Ragged Key 5, Soldier Key, and Kings Bay. We focus on six species of birds: double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), great egrets (Ardea alba), great white herons (Ardea herodias occidentalis), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), white ibises (Eudocimus albus), and roseate spoonbills (Platalea ajaja). Data collection for this vital sign began in 2009. This report presents data regarding peak nesting, nesting indices, species abundance, and the nine nesting colonies. No forecasts are presented from the data collected in this report. Peak nest counts for five of the six focal species were lower in 2021–2022 than 2020–2021, except for white ibis, which increased relative to the previous nesting season. For the fourth consecutive season, peak nest counts for double-crested cormorants remain under 1,000 nests. For the number of species actively nesting by colony, our data indicate that two colonies increased, four colonies decreased, and three colonies remained the same relative to the previous nesting season. At least one of the focal species nested at all nine colonies, which has been consistent since the start of surveys.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Muxo, Robert; Whelan, Kevin
- Date of Issue
- 2024-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2304740
- Units
- BISC , NRSS , SFCN
- Keywords
- Colonial Nesting Birds