The 54th edition of the Bend Christmas Bird Count was conducted under high
winds on Saturday. Despite the fact that passerines were scarce, this
year's effort produced a record 101 species. It was a far cry from the 1954
Count in which two observers found 32 species in Bend. After that effort
the count went into hiding for 15 years. When it resumed, the 1969 Count
only added two more species.
The lack of rain or snow on count day and the unseasonably warm temperatures
for the last month helped keep several species around well past their normal
departure dates. The best bird of the day was a Rusty Blackbird for the
first count record and only the second for the greater Bend area.
Unfortunately the bird is in an area not open to birders. Other good finds
(less than 10 previous records) include Cackling Goose, Wild Turkey,
Bonaparte's Gull (1st record), California Gull, Red-shouldered Hawk,
Peregrine Falcon, Loggerhead Shrike, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll and
White-throated Sparrow. The biggest miss of the day was Ruby-crowned
Kinglet missed for only the 8th time.
Thanks to all who participated in this record breaking effort.
Tom Crabtree, Bend
