Colonial Nesting Birds in Biscayne National Park: 2022–2023 Nesting Year Summary

Muxo, Rob; Whelan, Kevin

doi:10.36967/2305943

The habitats within Biscayne National Park consist of rocky coastlines, Biscayne Bay (a shallow water bay), more than 40 keys or 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. Because of the park’s proximity to a large population, it endures heavy usage. The park is a popular destination for anglers and boaters. All these factors put stressors on the park ecosystem. The South Florida/Caribbean Network (SFCN) 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 (Nannopterum auritum), great egrets (Ardea alba), great white herons (Ardea herodias occidentalis), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), white ibises (Eudocimus albus), and roseate spoonbills (Platalea ajaja). This report presents data for the last 10 nesting seasons regarding peak nesting, nesting indices, species abundance, and the nine nesting colonies. No forecasts are presented from the data collected in this report.

Colonial Nesting Birds in Biscayne National Park: 2022–2023 Nesting Year Summary

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