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From hazard to haven: NPEP’s environmental transformation takes flight as a sanctuary for dozens of bird species
By Fusion IMC
Oct 15, 2020 - 1:24:23 PM

Bird populations thrive at NPEP - A Black Crowned Night Heron takes a dip in a natural pond at the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP). NPEP has been noted as home to the largest concentration of Black-Crowned Night-Herons on the island. Elijah Sands and Chris Johnson.jpg

Nassau, Bahamas - The environmental transformation at the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) has fostered a bird sanctuary at the site, with the now revitalized Park serving as a home and breeding ground to dozens of bird species.

On a recent visit to NPEP, birders Elijah Sands and Chris Johnson of the Bird Club of New Providence spent several hours identifying, counting, and photographing the Park's diverse bird population.

"This site was once considered an environmental hazard. The fires that would occur and the scenes were always the topics of major national discussions," stated Sands in a social media post. "Bahamians passionately advocated for something to be done with this area...the new team responsible for its management completely transformed it."

Short Billed Dowitcher flanked by a Sandpiper

According to Sands, the number of shorebirds at NPEP is unmatched compared to any other inland New Providence site. "Laughing Gulls breed here and can be seen in tremendous numbers, this site is [also] home to undoubtedly the largest concentration of Black-Crowned Night-Herons."

Birds play an essential role in the proper functioning of the world's ecosystems. Many birds are important in plant reproduction, and some are keystone species as their presence in or disappearance from an ecosystem affects other species indirectly.

In addition to the many species that have made NPEP their home, this rejuvenated ecosystem has also attracted various feathery visitors making a pit stop during their yearly migrations.

Birders in action - Elijah Sands (left) and Chris Johnson (right), members of the Bird Club of New Providence, photograph and record the diverse bird populations at the site.

Sands noted that the pair "spotted a Wilson's Phalarope, a shorebird on its way to South America. This would be the second documented record of this species in The Bahamas, making this a very rare find," in addition to "a huge flock of migrating swallows."

White Ibis

Wilson's Phalarope

Snowy Egret

Semi-palmated Sandpiper

Black-Necked Stilt

Mourning Dove

Glossy Ibis

Killdeer

Cattle Egret

A pair of Laughing Gulls

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