Audubon’s Winter Bird Count

Written By: William McReynolds - Highlands Plateau Audubon Society | Issue: 2019/01 - Winter

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udubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count or CBC occurred on Friday, December 14.  Check the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society’s website given below for more information.  

 The 2017 CBC involved 17 hale and hardy bird watchers who braved cold weather (26 to 34 degrees) and patchy snow accumulations to participate in this extensive inventory of local birds. 

Part of a much larger, 118th annual bird inventory sponsored by the U.S. National Audubon Society, this international bird count typically involves over 2400 counting groups and over 60,000 individuals who in years past achieved totals of 70 million birds sighted in the U.S., Canada, and some parts of Latin American and the Caribbean. 

These large-scale, cumulative bird counts are used to specify winter bird populations and distributions in North America, both of which are changing with ongoing climate change.  Data from this massive citizen’s science initiative are being used to monitor the health of our avian populations and guide conservation efforts.  

The local count was accomplished under the leadership of HPAS President Brock Hutchins as well as Russ Regnery whose team surveyed Flat Mountain Road and the Buck Creek Road areas; Barbara Ballantine whose team covered the town of Highlands; Jack Johnston who patrolled Turtle Pond Road; Kyle Pursel who went to Scaly Mountain; and Cynthia Strain who led her team to Horse Cove.

The bird count for last year is comparable to those of previous years including the number of species sighted (47) and total birds sighted (1,109) relative to the number of observers.  High frequency species again included Dark-eyed Junco (134), Carolina Chickadee (114), Song Sparrow (89), American Crow (74), Mallard (71), and Wild Turkey (65). More American Robins were seen last year compared to 2016 (98 versus 59).  Fewer American Goldfinch were seen in 2017 (20 versus 117).  This same year included multiple sightings of European Starlings (7), Gadwall (3), and Black Ducks (2). 

Following the winter day’s field observations, a traditional hot chili lunch was provided by Patty Hutchins, Michelle Styring and Pat Strickland.  A welcome homecoming was given to returning longtime members Edwin and Kay Poole. 

The Highlands Plateau Audubon society wishes you warm winter days and happy family time amidst the beauty of Western North Carolina.

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization.  For information on all our activities and membership, please visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.