The 67th Cedar Creek Bog Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, 12/16 in relatively tolerable winter weather. We had record results in both species count (46) and number of birds (over 4000). The most common species both historically and in 2012 was Common Redpolls (1140), which were found both in large flocks and in smaller numbers at feeders throughout the area. Waterfowl was typically scarce, as with years with most of the water frozen. We had only one Canada Goose (a flyover) and a flock of 16 Mallards. But, we also had 3 Gadwell and 4 Pintails, both new to the count, that had joined a domestic waterfowl flock, and a Wood Duck, which was only the second report for the count. Northern specialties included a Snowy Owl (second time for the count), which flew by the house of one our feeder watchers in Linwood Twshp two days before the count, 2 Hoary Redpolls (first time since 1973), 28 Pine Grosbeaks (highest number since 1980), 8 Red Crossbills (first report since 1998), and 3 Ravens (an expected find here). A notable find was a Golden-crowned Kinglet. High numbers of bird counts include 3 Kestrels (tying record), Bald Eagles, Mourning Doves, Downy WP, Pileated WP, No. Flicker, Chickadees, Cardinals, and Juncos, all having second or third highest counts. No Red-headed WP's, a count specialty, were found, having abandonded the area after a poor mast (acorn) harvest. The next most common bird not found was Ruffed Grouse, which had been found in half of the last ten counts. No Snow Buntings, Longspurs, or Horned Larks were found.
Thanks to our volunteers, who have set the standard for coming years. -- Steve Weston On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN [email protected] ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
