Hello, folks
Wednesday, December 30 saw the sixth run of the Tygh Valley CBC in central
Wasco County. Nineteen birders covered eight sectors, finding 83 species,
toward the low end of expectations, but we had a great time and all parties
contributed good birds to the total effort.
Two COMMON REDPOLLS were found on Driver Road (just south of Wamic); and
two TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were found nearby, in the same sector at least.
Other highlights include two MOUNTAIN QUAIL, two KILLDEER (not easy to find
in winter), a WILSON'S SNIPE (ditto), a day-active N. PYGMY-OWL, an
intergrade FLICKER, one RED-BR. SAPSUCKER in Tygh Valley town, a
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, four DIPPERS, a tough-to-find BROWN CREEPER, a
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and twelve EVENING GROSBEAKS.
Waterfowl diversity was down this year, although there seemed to be some
movement of Canada Geese and dabblers, perhaps in anticipation of frigid
temperatures.
We only found three of a possible six thrush species - no Bluebirds this
year. No rare sparrows, no waxwings, finch numbers generally down. There
seemed to be a dearth of birds in the pine country in the west part of the
circle (at least a foot of snow on the ground), while the valleys and some
of the ag lands were stuffed with birds. My group lucked out when we met
an engaging landowner who invited us onto his property to view the hordes
of birds coming to his many feeders - priceless!
We also totaled 41LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS, 174 WILD TURKEYS and 203 CALIFORNIA
QUAIL.
I want to thank everyone who helped out with the count, and I am already
looking forward to the next one!
Jeff Hayes
