The species count total was a respectable 98, with highlights listed below.
Greater Scaup-4
Common Merganser-4,262(HC)
Northern Goshawk-1
Red-shouldered Hawk-2
Merlin-2
Virginia Rail-1
Common Raven-6
Horned Lark-3
Marsh Wren-1
Eastern Bluebird-56
American Pipit-1
Field Sparrow-5
Eastern Towhee-4
White-crowned Sparrow
Snow Bunting-1
Eastern Meadowlark
Purple Finch-3
Pine Siskin-2
Total Species-98
Noteworthy is the remarkable, record-breaking number of Common Mergansers came primarily from a large flock located on the Hudson River in the Verplanck (Village of) area. Inland reservoirs were mostly frozen over with a thin coating of ice, which likely pushed the birds to the river. Also of note is that Bald Eagle numbers were somewhat depressed from what is typical on this count with 18 individuals this year.
Once again we extend our thanks to Teatown Lake Reservation, which opens its doors to us every year for our compilation and dinner.
Warm regards to all for the holidays,
John Askildsen and Mike Newhouse, Co-Compilers
John Askildsen
Millbrook, New York
