The environment department has launched a series of digital tools to improve the reporting and management of Bermuda’s feral bird population.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources published information in its monthly newsletter EnviroTalk about how the new set of tools aims to manage primarily chickens and pigeons.

Central to the initiative is Geographic Information Systems technology, which enables department staff to collect, map and analyse information in real time.

Every report will be tied to a location while every staff visit is logged digitally, allowing residents to watch management efforts over time.

Daniel Dickinson, GIS analyst for the DENR, wrote in the newsletter: “The programme combines online reporting forms, mobile field apps and a live dashboard accessible on both PCs and smartphones. Using modern GIS and cloud technology, this system centralises information that was previously scattered across paper logs, spreadsheets and phone calls.

“Staff can now view, map and analyse data efficiently, supporting a data-driven approach that strengthens planning and improves the effectiveness of feral bird management across Bermuda.”

The initiative includes the online reporting system and the management dashboard.

Residents can report sightings and request service through the online reporting system involving a simple, web-based form that works across smartphones and desktop computers. Users will be asked for details such as the location of the bird, the users’ contact information and any notes that may be helpful to staff.

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EnviroTalk 2026.pdf

A key part of the reporting form is the interactive map pin. Each report must include a location which helps the department accurately identify a reported location.

Once a form has been submitted, the user reporting will receive an e-mail confirmation. The report is then added to the DENR’s tracking system for assessment and necessary control actions.

The management dashboard is a public-facing, interactive map showing where control activities have taken place throughout the island.

Locations are displayed as large orange circles, highlighting areas of activity and progress.

Mr Dickinson added: “The dashboard presents two main types of information; public service requests and the control actions taken. Public requests show the reports submitted through the online form, highlighting the important role of community involvement.

“To protect privacy, these reports aren’t displayed as points on the map. Instead, the dashboard presents totals and the species reported, offering a transparent view of public reporting and the scale of the feral bird issue across Bermuda.

“Control actions show where staff have been managing feral birds. Large orange circles highlight general areas of activity, while indicator cards display the total birds removed, broken down by species.”

The date filter is the core feature and can be used to explore activity from the previous three, seven, 30 or 90 days.

Nightly updates ensure residents have the most up-to-date snapshot of both reports and management efforts.

Feral chickens have very few natural predators in Bermuda and so can rapidly multiply. They can cause significant crop losses for farmers.

Feral birds are also known to disturb public areas, scatter garbage, disrupt outdoor dining and cause hygiene issues.

They also increase risk related to the continued global circulation of highly pathogenic bird flu.

In December 2025, Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said the department removes more than 1,300 feral chickens a month.

However, he said the department was unable to manage the number of birds on the island.

He said then that an app had been created and was being tested by the DENR to monitor invasive-bird sightings and track control efforts.

Traps were made available at that time for $100 each for residents to be able to assist in the capture of feral birds.