Local birdwatchers identified nearly 100 species — including two rarities — during this year’s Christmas Bird Count, according to Andrew Dobson, president of the Bermuda Audubon Society.

“This year’s count went very well, and we recorded an above average number of species,” said Mr Dobson of the December 29 expedition, in which 19 birders combed the Island from dawn to dusk.

“Two globally endangered species of birds were recorded: our own national bird, the Cahow, and the Piping Plover — a small shorebird which breeds in the eastern US and Canada,” Mr Dobson said.

However, more than half of all birds recorded were starlings, kiskadees or sparrows — all invasive species that “shouldn’t really be in Bermuda”, he added. “They have certainly had an impact on our local birds.”

All told, 98 different species were recorded in one day. Additional species spotted during Count Week, which takes up three days on either side of the count day, brings to total to more than 100 bird species.

It was Bermuda’s 39th annual count.

Highlights for this year included the recording of 20 species of wood warbler, 19 species of wildfowl — with record numbers of American Wigeon and Northern Pintail — and 11 species of shorebird, including a record 12 Semipalmated Sandpipers.

Bermuda’s results are submitted to the National Audubon Society in the US as part of a continent-wide study of birds that has been running for over 100 years.

“Citizen Science is a way for people to connect with the natural world through fun activities that generate vital information for the conservation of birds,” Mr Dobson said. “This partnership benefits us all: observers learn about birds by taking part in these science-based activities, and Audubon’s science staff gains invaluable information.

“Most importantly, the birds benefit because it helps Audubon focus on those birds and habitats that need our help most.”

Count results will be available as they are entered onto the National Audubon website, at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc.