Hi Jeff (& All),
Thanks for your comment. This is exactly the type of response that I was hoping
for:
observations from reasonably long transects through habitat that normally hosts
good numbers of these species.
I took a look at the numbers for Willamette Valley CBCs that have compiled
results
so far, compared with averages for the past two winters (see attachment,
italics
indicate preliminary data).
For Bewick's Wren, of three CBCs that averaged more than 50 per count and have
reported results for this year (Airlie-Albany, Eugene, and Salem), all showed
an
increase of 34% or more. The net increase for CBCs that have reported numbers
so far is 43%.
For Golden-crowned Sparrow, there are four CBCs that averaged more than 500
per count and have reported results for this year (Eugene, Airlie-Albany,
Salem,
and Yamhill Valley), all showed a DECREASE of 16% or more. The net decrease
for CBCs that have reported numbers so far is 26%.
It will be interesting to see if the big CBCs yet to report bear out this
trend.
Joel
Here in the Portland area, I am finding Bewick's Wrens in roughly normal>
numbers. Golden-crowned Sparrows seem to be markedly reduced in number. I
covered a 3.2 mile stretch of the Springwater Trail and found ONE
Golden-crowned and ONE White-crowned Sparrow vs. 22 Song Sparrows and six
Bewick's Wrens, in habitat that typically harbors lots of Zonos and
Juncos. Juncos also seem down somewhat. I think the hot, dry summer and
early fall weather wreaked havoc on the weed seed crop these birds depend
upon. Even the blackberry crop was affected, with blackened, shriveled
fruits on the vines by mid September. Robins, however, are abundant - we
haven't had a strong freeze yet and the grass is still green. Overall, we
haven't had winter yet. Yesterday, I saw a rosebush with several fresh
blossoms.
Jeff Hayes
Portland
Attachment:
BEWRGCSP2018-19.png
Description: PNG image
