Anguilla National Trust Members took part in the 2016 Caribbean Waterbird Census to celebrate World Wetlands Day

The Caribbean Waterbird Census was established by the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds in an effort to learn more about the distribution, status, and abundance of waterbirds in the Caribbean and to improve regional and national conservation planning and management of these magnificent and beautiful birds and their habitats. The Census is held throughout the Caribbean during a two week period from late January through early February.

The Anguilla census took place one week before World Wetlands Day which is celebrated on 2 February every year. World Wetlands Day celebrates the 1971 signing of the Convention on Wetlands that took place in the Iranian city of Ramsar. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997 and since then, government agencies, nongovernmental organisations, and citizens throughout the world take part in activities that raise awareness of the importance and value of these fragile ecosystems.

Members conducted a count from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at East End Pond Conservation Areaand the trust provided participants with binoculars and bird cards and provided a short bird identification session.