The 67th Rockland County Christmas Bird Count was held Sunday, December 15. Thirty-two field counters and eight feeder counters tallied 14,501 individuals representing 84 species (81 Count Day + 3 Count Week). The number of species is about average for the post-1978 period (when count areas were standardized), but slightly below average for the past 10 years. The number of individuals counted is well below the median count for both periods (post-1978 = 25,820; post-2003 = 20,367). Snowy and icy roads from the previous days snow storm resulted in a delayed start time for most count teams.
Weather: Temperatures ranged from 28 to 38 °F; peak wind gusts ranged from 10 mph in the morning to 22 mph in the afternoon. Approximately 4 to 6 inches of snow covered the ground and most ponds were 90-95% ice covered. The Hudson River was nearly ice free. Count Highlights: Rockland 2013 CBC Rarities Red-headed Woodpecker and American Pipit appeared on three previous counts; Northern Pintail appeared on six previous counts. In 2013 Black Vulture was once again reported. The species first occurred on the 1995 count but was not seen consistently until 2005. The 53 individuals counted this year was typical of post 2005 counts The Common Raven count of 12 was the second highest Rockland count since the species first made its appearance in 1998. It has been seen every year since that date. New Maximum Canada Goose (4,398 vs 4,359 in 1998), Hooded Merganser (147 vs 130 in 2001). Declines (based on percentage decline from 1947-2012 median) - American Crow (95% decline), European Starling (72% decline), Canvasback (57% decline), Common Grackle (55% decline), Mourning Dove (54% decline), and Rock Pigeon 53% decline). Misses (typically seen in about three out of four years) American Kestrel (rare in recent years), Purple Finch, Field Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow were not reported. Alan Wells Compiler -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
