Eight teams of 36 birders completed the Audubon Gulf Circle Christmas Bird Count on Tuesday, Dec. 27, which includes Anna Maria Island, Perico Island, Cortez and the north end of Longboat Key. Uncommon species seen in this area included nine buffleheads, two American widgeons (both are duck species) and 202 ring-necked ducks near Perico Bay Club. Unique species seen during the count week, but not on the day of the count, were the great black-backed gull and American robin. Only 16 common peafowl (peacocks) were spotted on Longboat Key, down from 24 last year.

 

From left, local Audubon chapter members Lynn Jakubowicz,
Mary Heinlen and Suzanne Dickie look for birds in
Holmes Beach during the Audubon Gulf Circle
Christmas Bird Count on Tuesday, Dec. 27.