[TN-Bird] Elizabethton CBC

The 62nd consecutive Elizabethton CBC was held on Saturday, Dec. 18th.
Twenty-two observers in 5 parties spent 45 party-hours in the field,
plus 2.5 hours owling.  Temperatures were 20-47 degrees under clear
skies, with light winds; 2-3 inches of snow lingered on the higher
mountain tops.

71 species were found, plus 1 in count week (Great Horned Owl).
This total is right on the average for the last 20 years of 70.75
species.  The all-time high on this count is 79 species (in 1995 &
2001).

notable sightings:
Dbl-cr Cormorant:  just 2nd time on this count (other in 1976).

Bald Eagle:  6th consecutive year, with just 3 prior to that (1988,
1994, & 1996).

Am. Woodcock:  just 3rd time on this count (1986 & 1991).

Bonaparte's Gull:  found on 5 of last 6 counts, with only 2 prior to
that (1973 & 1995).

Selasphorus sp.:  presumably a Rufous Hummingbird, present for 3rd
consecutive year at feeder; 2nd year on CBC.

Red-breasted Nuthatch:  nearly annual here in mountains (16 of last 20
years), but always a delight.

Chipping Sparrow:  just 11th time on this CBC, but 7 times in last 20
years.

Fox Sparrow:  13th time in last 20 years, formerly more regular.

Purple Finch:  found only 4 of last 13 years, annual prior to that.

Pine Siskin:  found 12 of last 20 years, but no big numbers since 1987 &
1989.

Big misses this year:
Ring-necked Duck:  just 2nd miss since 1956.
Ruffed Grouse:  6th miss since 1977.
Wilson's Snipe:  missed 3rd year in row & 5 of last 7
                            (annual previously).
Great Horned Owl:  only 5th miss since 1982.
Cedar Waxwing:  1st miss since 1989,
                            only missed 5 of last 30 years.
blackbirds: Red-wings, Rusties, Grackles, & Cowbirds are usually scarce
in the mountains in winter; none occurred on this year's count.


nearly extirpated from count area:
N. Bobwhite:  none since 1994.
Loggerhead Shrike:  only twice in last 14 years.

###################
Rick Knight
Johnson City, TN
rknight@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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