[wisb] Ashland CBC - Finches galore

From: Ryan Brady <ryanbrady10@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 14:26:30 -0700
The 42nd Ashland CBC was held Saturday under mild, calm, overcast skies. 
Preliminary totals indicate 39 species, which is slightly above the long-term 
average. Finches were the story of this year's count, as we tallied every 
"winter finch" other than Bohemian Waxwing and some in record numbers.

673 Pine Siskins broke the long-time record of 185. Average is just 18 birds 
and we had only 2 total over the past 4 years combined.

151 Purple Finches broke the record of 66. Average is just 6 and we had only 1 
in the past 4 years combined.

443 Common Redpolls broke the record of 253 set just a couple years ago. Most 
are not visiting feeders yet and are found feeding in alder, birch, and weedy 
fields, or gritting on sanded roads. 1 Hoary Redpoll was found among them.

58 Evening Grosbeaks at my backyard feeders (+ 2 elsewhere) produced our 
highest count since 1992.

Two flocks of White-winged Crossbills totaling 45 birds were most unexpected 
given it's been a very poor year for this species to date.

Type 10 Red Crossbills continue to frequent the region, usually detected by 
overhead flight calls. Only one was heard on the count.

Only 2 Pine Grosbeaks were found but they were most welcome given the paucity 
of sightings statewide this year so far.

American Goldfinches were also well represented. The total of 153 was second 
only to our 2013 count of 230.

Though not a finch, also making news were Dark-eyed Juncos. Our total of 58 
smashed the previous record of 13 birds.

Other highlights included 2 Snowy Owls, 3 Amer. Tree Sparrows, a White-throated 
Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and 3 Brown Creepers. Waterfowl were scarce 
(only 3 species) due to very limited open water. We missed Rough-legged Hawk 
and had only 3 N. Shrikes.

Thanks to all who participated in the count!


Ryan Brady
Washburn, Bayfield County, WI
http://www.pbase.com/rbrady
                                          ####################
You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding 
Network (Wisbirdn).
To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: 
//www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: 
//www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn
[wisb] Ashland CBC - Finches galore

Other related posts:
