Bananaquit

Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas - The first Kids Bird Count of McLean’s Town, Grand Bahama was conducted on Saturday, 4^th February, 2012.  Twenty four (24) students with ten (10) adults were split in four (4) teams headed by a seasoned birder to identify and count the different species of birds observed in the four (4) subdivided areas of McLean’s Town designated for the count day.  At the end of the count, thirty nine (39) different species were indentified and a total of 262 birds were tallied by all groups at the ‘tally rally’ held at McLean’s Town Primary School.  The results are now included in the nature/birding data base for Grand Bahama Island to be used for research and information.  

Competition among the groups was keen, with group #3 emerging the winner, indentifying twenty five (25) different species; group #4 was second with 20; group #2 with 19; and group #1 with 15.  It was a fun outing for all with this being the first birding experience for most of the students, who were all presented with ‘Bird Buddy Bands’ which were sponsored by the Garden of the Groves, which designate them all birders.  Seven (7) schools were represented with students: 9 from McLean’s Town Primary; 7 from High Rock Primary; 4 from Sister Mary Patricia Junior School; and 1 each from Freeport Primary; Freetown Primary; Hugh Campbell Primary; and Bishop Michael Eldon High School.  

Greater Antillean Bullfinch

Group leaders were: Group 1 – Shamie Rolle of Calabash Eco-Adventures with Remelda Davis-Thomas; group 2 – Gina Knowles and Candice Woon (B.M.E.H.S.) with Eudel Roberts, principal High Rock Primary, and Telisa Rolle, local government representative; group 3 – H. Rudy Sawyer of Blue-Green Outdoors, with Marilyn Laing (co-ordinator) Garden-of-the-Groves, Dorothea Lewis, principal McLean’s Town Primary; Group 4 – Erika Gates of Garden-of-the-Groves, with Deana Williamson teacher Freeport Primary.  

It was a windy day with winds forecasted to be above 15 m.p.h., however, the birds showed up.  The count started at 10:15 a.m. and ended at 1:00 p.m.  After the ‘tally rally’, the full group headed to ‘the house’ for a hearty lunch and socializing.  On dispersing, those heading west loaded on to the bus donated by the Grand Bahama Nature Tours.  

Thanks are extended to all who contributed to this historic event in McLean’s Town.  
 

Kids Bird Count Chart  

Place: McLean’s Town, Grand Bahama 

Date: Saturday, 4^th February, 2012 

Prepared by: H. Rudy Sawyer