One observation from our birding last Saturday in the DC CBC -- it seems
like the Carolina Chickadee really is making a strong comeback after the
devastation caused by West Nile Virus. In Arlington VA, we saw more
chickadees than I remember since circa 2001-2. Anecdotally, I feel like I
am also seeing good increases in Tufted Titmice, Blue Jays, crows, and
possibly White-breasted Nuthatches as well; all of these except possibly
the nuthatch are thought to have been hit especially hard by the virus.
Maybe a more energetic person will actually analyze the data, but my sense
is that these bird populations at last are making a pretty good recovery,
and of course this is good news for the end of the year. Best wishes for
the season and cheers,
Steve Young
Arlington
