Since 1980, roost counts have been conducted at communal roost sites to monitor Bonaire’s parrot populations. While counts were initially sporadic and varied in timing, they have been carried out consistently every year since 2005, taking place on the last Saturday of January.
The selection of roost sites is determined by the availability of volunteers and the priority assigned based on historic roost size and results of pre-count checks.
Local volunteers, ranging from complete beginners to experienced parrot researchers, participate in these counts. Volunteers arrive at pre-determined vantage points before dawn, and counting begins at sunrise. Parrots are counted as they leave their roost, with the process continuing until all birds have departed. The count concludes either 20 minutes after the last sighting or two hours after the start, whichever comes first.
Counts are conducted simultaneously across all selected locations to ensure accuracy.
This year, we are proud to mark a milestone as the first count conducted in collaboration with Provita on Isla Margarita demonstrating the power of international cooperation for parrot conservation.
The official Roost Count starts at 6.00am till 8.00am afterwards there will be a Nos Lora, Nos Orguyo Celebration during The Nos Zjilea Cultural Market at Magazina di Rei.
If you are interested to join this upcoming count,
You can sign up by sending an message to EchoBonaire on Facebook.
Please note: the application deadline is January 22, 2026
