The North American Red Knots are not where they are expected to be–where did they go?

Red Knots have become the poster birds of shorebird conservation efforts.

These birds are known for their exceptional long-distance migrations, which can be as long as 9,300 miles (15,000 kilometers) on the Atlantic Flyway.  A small population of Red Knots will even spend the winter on Bonaire.

But something strange has occurred this year–counts from birders along the Atlantic Flyway indicate that northern-headed Red Knots are way down from previous years.  What happened?  Where are the missing Red Knots?

The Red Knot migration.

Normally, when Red Knots begin their migrations, they will stop along the way in various locations to rest, refuel, and prepare for the onward journey.  Bonaire is an important stop on these long migrations from wintering areas in South America to the northern stretches of the Arctic, where they breed each summer, as the habitat allows them to rebuild their fat reserves before continuing.

In many locations, they will gather in very large flocks–such as at Delaware Bay (New Jersey and Delaware, USA) where Red Knots gather to gorge on the eggs of spawning Horseshoe Crabs.  This year, just 6,800 were counted, a very low count considering that 19,000 were counted in 2020, 30,000 in each of 2018 and 2019.

These low numbers, coupled with the lesser counts of migrating birds through the islands, are ringing the alarm bell.  Where are the missing Red Knots?

Possible theories about the missing Red Knots.

Even before this alarming situation, Red Knots were already in trouble.  Like many shorebirds, their numbers have been declining due to climate change, loss of habitat, a reduction in the availability of food, human disturbance, and hunting.

The population of rufa Red Knots may have declined already by as much as 75% and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says this sub-species may be “in danger of extinction in the next few decades.” This makes solving the mystery of the missing red knots even more critical.

Food is not the issue for the missing Red Knots.

Ornithologists report that the horseshoe crab eggs, upon which the Red Knots feed, were plentiful this year at Delaware Bay.  Additionally, the numbers of other shorebirds, such as Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Sanderlings, were also lower than expected this year.

Special Caribbean Waterbird Census, the Red Knot Edition.

To try to find the missing Red Knots, BirdsCaribbean will conduct a special Caribbean Waterbird Census throughout the Caribbean region to see if the Red Knots can be located, or if they stopped their migration somewhere along the way.

Help count waterbirds on Bonaire between July 10 and 20, 2021.

As part and parcel of an international coordinated effort, please help to carry out a census at wetlands and beaches you know are excellent for shorebirds between July 10 and 20.  Here in Bonaire, the Cargill salt pans are an excellent place to conduct your counts.  Although these dates are the key dates for the coordinated effort, any time you can help in July is appreciated.

How to conduct your CWC count, Red Knot edition.

When you do your CWC count, remember to keep an eye out for other shorebird species at the same time, and that you should count all the birds you see (of any species, including land birds) on each count—doing a complete count greatly increases the value of your data to science and conservation.

Don’t forget to enter your data in eBird Caribbean using one of the CWC protocols on Step 2 of data entry. If using eBird mobile, set your portal to eBird Caribbean to access the CWC options for your checklists/counts at wetlands and beaches). Thanks to the wonderful network of Caribbean birders, there are now over 11 years of Caribbean Census Data, which is still augmenting.  This data allows BirdsCaribbean to identify status and trends across the Caribbean region.  

So, if you are in Bonaire in July, please consider helping with data collection by conducting a CWC count while here!