Students Learn About Coastal Birds For Centennial Challenge

The Biscayne’s Birds Centennial Challenge FY08 project was a tremendous success.  The matching funds partner, the state agency Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, contributed towards the first-ever mangrove landbird monitoring of south Florida’s mangrove shoreline including Biscayne and Everglades national parks and state-owned lands. 

Several rare birds, including the mangrove cuckoo, were recorded by an observer in the field at dawn.

To witness fall migration, volunteers from the local Audubon Society and other conservation organizations assisted park and I&M staff in teaching 22 local public high schoolers on a charter boat to the islands.  Students learned how to identify birds and understand the park’s mission as well as global environmental issues such as climate change, declines in bird populations, and migration.  Internship and career opportunities were highlighted. 

The students and chaperones expressed delight, as many of them had never identified birds or been to the national park before. Said one student: “Now I know what I want to do as a career!” The students were encouraged to keep birding and report their findings to the park.