South Whidbey Christmas Bird Count Report
By Govinda Holtby
Summary at a glance
15,071 Individual birds, 109 species
32 field observers and 6 feeder watchers.
Unusual birds reported: Osprey, Barn Swallows, Western Scrub-Jay, Sora, Red Head, Greater White- fronted Goose, Northern Saw-Whet Owls
Most abundant species was the Dunlin at 3,777 individuals
2nd most abundant was the Surf Scoter at 889 individuals
3rd most abundant American Wigeon at 800 individuals
With any data there are many variables, for us, weather is the biggest. Our lowest species diversity was in 2020. Why? the pandemic maybe? Not the case! We had 37 field observers in 2020 but we also had gale force winds, diminishing all auditory birding. In fact, many may recall I made a word cloud that year, reflecting most of the adjectives used by our heroic field observers.
We learned, and now have an alternate day planed in case those gale force winds land on CBC day. I also want to mention that the CBC is meant as a snapshot of the year, and where it really shines, and gains its accuracy, is the long term. lining up year after year.
There were over 2,500 CBC circles this year, and those who participated, please give yourself a big pat on the back for stepping up and taking an active role in bird conservation. For those who didn’t get a chance to take part. Consider donating to the Christmas Bird Count! It relies on 100% donations to maintain the database available to researchers.
Lastly, if you would like a 7 page detailed summary report you can email me, govinda@whidbey.com, and I will send one to you.
