2nd Annual Walt Disney World Resort Bird Count

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Parks blog...

Wildlife Wednesdays: Bird is the Word for Cast Members During 2nd Annual Walt Disney World Resort Bird Count

posted on January 25th, 2012 by Anne Savage, Ph.D., Senior Conservation Biologist, Disney’s Animal Programs

Last Saturday, I got to spend the day doing one of the things I like best—outside enjoying nature right here at the Walt Disney World Resort. I participated, along with my fellow Disney cast members and their families and friends, in the 2nd annual holiday bird count at the Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding area organized by the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team.

We counted an amazing 115 different bird species and over 22,000 individual birds! We were so excited to spot some rare bird species such as Florida scrub-jays, peregrine falcons, roseate spoonbills, red-headed woodpeckers, limpkins, buffleheads, and 17 bald eagles! But the biggest treat was seeing more than 5,500 American robins as they winter in Florida before they migrate north in the spring.

Guests had fun joining in, stopping – for example – to view a magnificent hawk perched high in World Showcase at Epcot, and lingering in the evening as they were leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom to join us in watching white ibises, little blue herons, snowy egrets, and a variety of other birds return to an area near the Oasis to roost for the night.

See how many birds you can count in this video from the event!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3Jidi0_M_ZA

Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Bird Count Fun Facts:

• The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has provided more than $5.7 million to support bird conservation around the world.
  
• Our holiday bird count is modeled after the Audubon Christmas bird count, which began in 1900.
  
• Data collected in bird counts from year to year allows scientists to follow trends in bird populations and abundance over time. These trends help scientists focus their conservation efforts in key bird areas.
  
• Nearly one-third of the Walt Disney World Resort has been set aside as a dedicated wildlife conservation area.
  
• An abundance of birds make their home in Florida year-round, and even more birds are here during the winter as the migrate from the north to Florida and beyond. You can find out more at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 12 as we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day.
  
• We can help birds and other wildlife by observing them from a safe distance and not feeding them “human” food, which is unhealthy for them.
  

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/wildlife-wednesdays-bird-is-the-word-for-cast-members-during-2nd-annual-walt-disney-world-bird-count/

[ftwildernessguy 778]

I was lucky enough once to see a bald eagle dive down to Bay Lake and snag a bass over at wilderness lodge. It happened about 15 feet from where I was standing. Both me and the guy standing next to me had cameras, but neither one of us even came close to getting a picture. It was an unforgettable sight.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

That must have been awesome!

[bord1niowa......Curt 79]

I was lucky enough once to see a bald eagle dive down to Bay Lake and snag a bass over at wilderness lodge. It happened about 15 feet from where I was standing. Both me and the guy standing next to me had cameras, but neither one of us even came close to getting a picture. It was an unforgettable sight.

If anybody is lucky enough to be in Wisconsin in the wintertime (hahaha) the Wisconsin River in Sauk City has about 15 - 25 Eagles every winter staying there. You can see them up close. Scientists come every year to study them. Really neat.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Cool

[Lou... 3,118]

Of the lower 50 states, Florida has the most Bald Eagles. I see them from time to time siting in the trees in our development which is named after them and the street I live on is named after a baby eagle.

Sitings are not that common and it is an amazing experience when we do see them.