Report of colonial nesting birds in Biscayne National Park for the 2019–2020 nesting year

Abstract

The habitats within Biscayne National Park consist of rocky coast lines, Biscayne Bay (a shallow water bay), over 40 mangrove 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 the park or close to park boundaries. The proximity to a large population also results in the park's heavy usage. The park is a popular destination for fishers and boaters. These are all stressors on the park ecosystem. The South Florida / Caribbean Network has 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 5, Ragged Key 4, Soldier Key, and Kings Bay. We focus on six species of birds: double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), great egrets (Ardea alba), great white herons (Ardea herodias occidentalis), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), white ibises (Eudocimus albus), and roseate spoonbills (Platalea ajaja).