Viera Big Year: Quarter 1 Update and Highlights

The Viera Big Year is in full swing, and the results so far have been nothing short of spectacular! From the familiar-feathered friends in our yards to rare, “stop-and-stare” sightings, our community is proving just how much wildlife calls Viera home.

The Leaderboard at a Glance:
Our 14 participants have been busy hitting the trails and checking the skies. Here’s the data we’ve gathered so far:

• 14 participants
• 1,019 Total Bird Sightings Logged
• 119 Species Found by Our Top Birder (that’s over 100 different species spotted right here in Viera, showing how we have such incredible wildlife here).

The “Frequent Flyers”:
These are the species participants are seeing the most. Chances are, you’ve spotted a few of these yourself.

• Common Grackle
• Mourning Dove
• Sandhill Crane
• Osprey
• White Ibis

The “Rare Gems:
These are the sightings that make even seasoned birders reach for their binoculars in a hurry. Our participants have managed to track down some truly elusive species:

• Short-tailed Hawk
• Grasshopper Sparrow
• Painted Bunting
• Henslow’s Sparrow
• Eastern Screech-Owl (not only nocturnal but also a master of camouflage)

Honorable mention of the bird of last month: The Painted Bunting, often called one of North America’s most beautiful birds, the Painted Bunting is a true gem. With its vibrant mix of blues, greens, and reds, spotting one feels like finding a living piece of art in nature.

Hot spots for our Birders:
These local hotspots have been some of the bet places for sightings, so if you’re looking to join in on the fun, I’m giving you the inside scoop of where head to.

• Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands
• Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary
• River Lakes Conservation Area (Moccasin Island)
• Borrows West Park

These locations are perfect for spotting both common and rare species, and chances are you’ll find more than just birds in these spots.

Want to Join the Viera Big Year?

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, everyone is welcome to participate. There’s still plenty of in the year to get ahead of the competition. If you think you can spot more birds than your neighbors, visit our event page and learn how to start participating: https://www.cvcaviera.com/event/vierasbigyear/

From Sandhill Cranes strolling through neighborhoods to rare hawks soaring overhead, Viera continues to surprise us with just how much wildlife is right outside our doors, making Viera Big Year the perfect way to start exploring.