FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] RPT -- Paradise CBC

[Brainard.Palmer-Ball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Thirteen observers in six parties participated in the Paradise CBC
yesterday, January 4th.  The day was chilly to begin, but the afternoon was
quite nice for a January count day.

Results were mixed; overall the numbers of birds were probably the lowest
we've ever had on this count; waterfowl because of the mild weather and
songbirds, perhaps due to poor seed production that resulted from the
summer's drought.  Everyone remarked at the low numbers of sparrows, which
are typically abundant on the weedy, reclaimed mines.  It also may have in
part resulted in a few misses of birds such as Le Conte's Sparrow.

Highlights, however, were aplenty and all of the rarest were lingering
summer residents and migrants.  They included . . .  two Great Egrets, one
Least Sandpiper, not one, but TWO!! Barn Swallows, and at least one Sedge
Wren (all of these birds were found within a square mile of one another on
the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA and the TVA Paradise Steam Plant property).
The swallows worked the main slurry pond of the steam plant all day.  Also
counted were a Merlin, an American Woodcock (peenting in early AM mid-20s
temps!), and 2 Greater White-fronted Geese. I have not heard yet whether or
not the "semi-domesticated" Ross's Goose was seen in Ohio County or not, but
it was there on Friday evening.  Our Short-eared Owl count was the lowest
ever at a whopping FIVE birds with 80% of the parties reporting.  The count
total as of now is 82 species with a couple of more probably yet to come in.

Thanks to all who participated. I will be forwarding complete results to
participants and anyone else interested (reply to my email address if you
are) soon.

bpb, Louisville
brainard.palmer-ball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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