Folks- today Boulder held its 68th Christmas Bird Count. Boulder's
first CBC was 24 December 1909, so this is also our 100-year
anniversary count!
As opposed to last year's near zero (about 5 degrees either way)
temperatures, we had a sunny and mild day to be out counting in. The
30 territories scoured by teams of field birders were supplemented by
many feeder watchers. At first count, with many results yet to be
returned, we stand at 103 count-day species plus two more count-week
birds.
Mew Gull was recorded for the first time on count day (it previously
had been recorded count week), along with 6 other gull species.
Lesser Black-backed was recorded the 5th time, Glaucous Gull the 6th,
and Thayer's the 12th. These were all seen at the Valmont Reservoir
complex. Other noteworthy species include the 2nd count occurrence of
White-winged Crossbill, the third of Chihuahuan Raven, the 8th of both
Eastern Bluebird (which completed the trifecta of bluebirds) and Rusty
Blackbird, the 9th of Black-crowned Night-Heron, and the 10th of
Lesser Goldfinch. A male Mandarin Duck on a frozen pond with wild
geese and ducks caught the attention of the group that found it!
Notably missing birds (having been seen on at least 40 previous
counts) include Rough-legged Hawk, Evening Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch,
and Clark's Nutcracker. Hopefully we'll fill in a few more gaps as
completed reports are returned.
Thanks to all of the territory leaders for lining up their teams and
to all of the participants for their efforts. Big thanks to the City
and County of Boulder Open space and private landowners for providing
access to otherwise off-limits areas, and to Boulder County Audubon
Society for sponsoring the count and providing a Lasagna dinner!
Enjoy- Bill
______________________
• Bill Schmoker •
______________________
http://schmoker.org
http://brdpics.blogspot.com
[email protected]
720/201-5749
______________________
--
Colorado Field Ornithologists: http://www.cfo-link.org/
Colorado County Birding: http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/
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