each year in order to contribute to the database that analyses bird population changes, territory shifts, etc. This is an annual event that takes place across the Western Hemisphere involving people from the Arctic to Antarctica between December 15 and January 5. This massive effort of data collection started in the year 1900 as a holiday game to see who could count the most birds in their native habitat in the northeastern states. An individual with a passion for birds wanted to break the tradition of the popular “side hunt” where Yuletide revelers would head out with their guns to see who could shoot the most birds and drag them home in a bag. Thankfully that game lost its appeal and the Christmas Bird Count has provided 112 years of invaluable data. Florida birders get the thrill of high counts for their lists due to the large numbers of migratory species that winter here. A typical half-day count in the designated area that our group covers at Emeralda Marsh is 45-50 different
species and 700-800 individual birds. They range from the smallest, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet at just a hair over four inches in length, to the large American White Pelican that is 62 inches long with a wingspan of nine feet! To see a large raft of these big buoyant birds is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you are interested in taking part in a bird survey or just enjoying a day in Natural Florida, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is indeed a “jewel” to experience. I invite you to unplug your electronics and plug in to the natural experiences we have in our backyard – hope to see you there! For more information call the District’s Bureau of Operations at (386) 329-4404 or visit the site http://floridaswater.com/recreationguide/ and click on Emeralda Marsh in the alphabetical list of the recreation lands open to the public.
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