64 bird species observed at MLR Forestal during the Global Big Day

The Global Big Day is an international bird watching and registration event devised by Cornell University in the United States. In the first Global Big Day of 2023 held on May 13, 64 species of birds were registered at MLR Forest. These birds were located in the Danlí, Mutiwas, Waspado and Santa Fe farms.

During the Global Big Day, species such as chachalacas, parrots and toucans were located on the grounds of MLR Forestal . Chachalacas usually emit a cry that is very typical of their species, they are also a little shy, agile and very light.

On the other hand, parrots are very particular birds because they can be used as indicators of ecosystem functioning. Since they usually live in one area and feed in another; But they always have the same transit routes. This is why experts say that, when there are no parrots, there may be some factor affecting their behavior.

The toucans observed in MLR Forestal are the most colorful and permanent residents of the area as a sedentary species that lives in a single area for its entire life or much of it.

“This activity lasted all day, we started at six thirty in the morning and ended at five in the afternoon. We record as many birds as possible per species and by individuals per species. The count is completed in the eBird application,” explained Róger Mendieta, Head of Biodiversity Management at MLR Forestal. eBird collects sightings and collects data to help scientists better understand birds.

Global Big Day is one more way MLR shows its support for birds

This is the first time that the company participates in the Global Big Day, although it has already been part of other events in favor of birds. In December 2022 MLR Forestal became involved in the Christmas Bird Count in which 59 bird species were listed.

Similarly, this year MLR Forestal will be a member of The Institute for Bird Populations’ ( IBP) Winter Survival Monitoring (MoSI) program . The Institute for Bird Populations is a non-profit organization located in Petaluma, California. This organization is dedicated to studying and monitoring migratory bird populations.

Collaborating with MoSI means that there will be a migratory bird monitoring station on the grounds of MLR Forest. Mendieta affirms that the fact that the company has such a station implies the projection of the company internationally as a cooperator of the initiative.

MLR Forestal farms and plantations are home to 250 species of birds. The company made a digital catalog available for free amd can be downloaded here.

According to the website of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the two most important days of World Migratory Bird Day in 2023 will be May 13 and October 14. Mendieta explains that the company also plans to participate in October because by then “migratory birds are already returning from North America to the tropics.”