South Christmas Bird Count lead Govinda Holtby reports that her group of 32 field observers and 6 feeder watchers spotted 15,071 Individual birds and 109 species in January.

The north end count, officially known as Washington Oak Harbor, was conducted on Saturday, Dec. 20. Strong winds battered the 33 volunteer participants that day. 

A total of 109 species were found and 16,595 individual birds were tallied. Many team leaders felt the winds that gusted over 30 mph were a factor in reducing bird numbers.

Read Steve Ellis’s full report.

This year’s South Whidbey Christmas Bird Count will be held on January 2, 2026, with an alternate day of January 5 if there is inclement weather. Registration deadline is December 12. Chair Govinda Holtby shares details about the 2026 count and ways you can participate in this article.