A white-winged dove and a brown creeper were spotted in Bermuda for the first time as bird watchers carried out their annual count.The former was identified in Smith’s Hills and the latter in Ferry Point Park as 102 species of birds were counted on Sunday, January 2.In total, 9,422 birds were seen in the Bermuda Audubon Society’s initiative, 800 more than last year, with the European starling accounting for more than a quarter.Society president Andrew Dobson said starlings, kiskadees and sparrows, which made up more than half the total, are all invasive species which are impacting negatively on local birds.Mr Dobson said low numbers of migrant warblers continued a “depressing downward trend” as a result of loss of habitat and long winter storms.Other unusual species spotted included a northern gannet off Warwick Long Bay, while globally endangered species included the cahow and the piping plover, a small shore bird which breeds in eastern America and Canada.Record numbers of killdeer and American pipits were found, 504 and 112 respectively, as a result of bad weather and storms blowing them here from the west.Sixteen members of the society took part in the project, with Mr Dobson saying: “This partnership benefits us all: observers learn about birds by taking part in these science-based activities, and Audubon’s science staff gain invaluable information.“Most importantly, the birds benefit because it helps Audubon focus on those birds and habitats that need our help most.“As to the future in Bermuda the considerable variety and number of birds wintering in Bermuda emphasises the need to maintain and protect open spaces.”He said private landowners could help by planting trees and shrubs and leaving some natural ‘wild’ areas on their property, while Government needs to protect open space.