Sacramento Audubon Society

Christmas Bird Count
The National Audubon Society has conducted the Christmas Bird Count for over 100 years.   Over 50,000 birders participate in this Annual count.   The following links provide background and national results.  
History and Objectives
Historical Results
Current Year Results

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The Sacramento Area activities are described below.

2007-2008 Christmas Bird Count Results

FOLSOM, Sacramento County (12/30)—Compiler Chris Conard reported: “With 144 species, we beat the previous record by one.  We also had an impressive 70 participants--the third most in the count's history, stretching back to 1978, when there were 79 participants in the first year.  The morning had a little drizzle and thick fog in some locales, but generally it was very good CBC weather.  There were few rarities, but an excellent showing of all the likely geese (all but Canada Goose can be missed on Folsom) plus Tundra Swan, and very few misses of expected species led to the excellent total.  This was only the second time Ross's Goose has been recorded.
“Highlights included the continuing Red-necked Grebe on Lake Natoma, Peregrine Falcon (often missed in the past, but is becoming more regular as it is everywhere), American Avocet (a count first), Western Gull (another count first--a near-adult at Nimbus), a Red-naped Sapsucker , Northern Rough-winged Swallow (a count first), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Western Tanager (two years in a row--last year was the count first).  Bruce Webb counted over 70,000 gulls on Folsom Lake.  On 1/1 he reported a Pacific Loon for count week (the three days before and after count day).
“There was a good showing of raptors, with seven Bald Eagles, seven Ferruginous Hawks, and also seven Rough-legged Hawks--the latter after being missed for  the previous two years.  There were two Golden Eagles after being missed for the last two years.  Five Western Screech-Owls  was a nice total. 
“Yellow-billed Magpie numbers may have stabilized, but data for the next few years will be telling.  After dropping from an average of over 150, the past three counts  recorded 67, 41, and, this year, 47.  Hopefully this is a bottoming out of the sharp decline.
“Misses included Canvasback, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Varied Thrush, Common Yellowthroat (recorded only four times!), White-throated Sparrow, and Pine Siskin.
Thanks to all for their help.  Thanks especially to Dan Brown who created web-viewable maps for the Sacramento Audubon sponsored CBCs.  Scroll down to see the maps.

SACRAMENTO (12/29)--Compiler Mark Cudney reported: “Because of great weather conditions and well-organized area leaders, we had  163 species.  This is the highest total in Sacramento Christmas count history.  We also set the record for most individual birds seen. Great birds included Orchard Oriole, (Kumlien's) Iceland Gull, Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Eurasian Wigeon, Blue-Winged Teal, Swainson's Hawk,Western Gull, Eurasian Collared Dove,Townsend's Warbler, and White-throated Sparrow.

PUTAH CREEK, Yolo County 12/16)—Compiler Steve Hampton reported: “Under clear and cold skies, the 2007 Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count set records for both birds and birders.  Most significantly, 73 birders combined to set a new record with 207.5 party hours, breaking a 30-year-old record by 30 minutes.  Birders traveled 111 miles on foot, 412 miles by car or ATV, and 10 miles by boat. 
“We found 143 species, the fourth highest ever.  Record high counts were set for 18 species and tied for 6 others.  New high counts were established for American White Pelican, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Merlin, Mourning Dove, Anna’s Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Western Bluebird, Wrentit, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, and Cassin’s Finch.  Species in italics enjoyed high counts for the second year in a row, suggesting a recent upward trend.  Audubon’s Warblers smashed their old record of 1,269 with 4,602 individuals, a number that will compete for the national high.  Record highs were tied for Greater Scaup (the first on the count since 1972), Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler (sixth time on the count), and Fox Sparrow.  The only record low count was for Ring-necked Pheasant, which was missed for the first time ever.
“Both Yellow-billed Magpie and Oak Titmouse, the two species apparently most impacted by West Nile Virus, climbed slightly but remain well below historical averages.”

LINCOLN, Placer County (12/27)--Compiler Ed Pandolfino reported: “We got our  first good weather for this count since year one  (2002) and that, plus a great turnout of excellent birders (over 50 total participants) allowed us to shatter the previous high species total.  We recorded 146  species compared to our previous high of 137.  Seven new species were added to the list: Eurasian Wigeon, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Western Screech and Long-eared Owl and Lawrence’s Goldfinch.
Other good finds included Western Sandpiper, numerous Short-eared  Owls in various locations, Blue-winged Teal, Cattle Egret, many Rough-legged Hawks, White-throated Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Brown Creeper and Lapland Longspsur.

STOCKTON (12/16)—Compiler Jim Rowoth reported: “’The Stockton CBC started out cold and foggy  but by late morning, the fog had mostly cleared.  The remainder of the day was quite pleasant.  We tallied  153 species for the day, the best we have done in 10 years.    
“Species of particular interest for the day were:  Common Loon, Horned Grebe, American White Pelican, Cattle Egret, American Avocet (Lodi Sewage Ponds), Golden Eagle (Terminous Tract), Rock Wren (Staten Island), Phainopepla, Black Rail (voice only--White Slough), Red-necked Grebe (1st winter plumage, White Slough; photographed), Nashville Warbler (Lodi Lake), Black and White Warbler (Lodi Lake). 
“Nearly all species of waterfowl were down, probably due to the mild weather in the days leading up to count day.  New to the count was Eurasian Collared Dove, found by two teams, and Great-tailed Grackle appears to have become an unfortunate, regular species on this count.  Our biggest misses were Varied Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Hawk, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Common Merganser.
“Thanks to Sacramento Audubon for putting forth a seasoned team of counters once again who came up with 106 species all on their own.  We couldn't do as well without your help.”.

GROVELAND, Tuolumne County (12/29)—Compiler Bill Zachman reported that 28 participants on foot, in cars and in two boats observed 99 species and just over 9,800 birds. Highlights were Smew on Priest-Coulterville Road, 16 Bald Eagles on Lake Don Pedro circle section; White-headed Woodpecker in Pine Mountain Lake  area; 2,300 robins, mostly in the Deer Flat Area; 10 Red Crossbills  in old Highway 120 area, and 10 Evening Grosbeaks in Pine Mountain Lake area.

WOODFORDS, Alpine County (12/15)—Dan Brown reported that, in clear and cold weather in the Sierra,  76 species were recorded (2006 total was 85) and almost all individual species totals were much lower than last year.  Exceptions were  eagles (9 Bald Eagles and 12 Goldens) and Rough-legged Hawks (18).  Other highlights: a Canyon Wren was found by Phyllis Wilburn, Maureen Geiger and Ken Poener on the housetops just south of the Woodfords store.  In downtown Markleeville, Jeff Mangum’s group found a Red-naped Sapsucker.

RIO CONSUMNES (1/3/08)
Sorry for the delay in getting the results of the Rio Cosumnes Count out, there were some issues getting some of the reports updated and confirmed. We squeezed the count in on the leading edge (figuratively and actually) of the major front that hit California on the 3rd and 4th of January. Over 60 observers recorded 160 species of birds and nearly 1 million individuals on count day. The species makes two consecutive years of 160 species for Rio Cosumnes. There were 4 additional count-week birds including: Yellow Warbler, Rusty Blackbird, and Barn Swallow, and Bald Eagle.
The count yielded a few firsts. Perhaps the best bird found on count day was a Hermit Warbler located by John Trochet in Area 7 (forests of the Cosumnes Preserve). This was not only a first for the Cosumnes Count, but is one of the first mid-winter records in the area. A Common Loon (Count First) was found on the Sacramento River across from Merritt Island (Area 11) and a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal (count first) was located (along with an American x Eurasian intergrade) both at the Cosumnes Preserve in area 8. Other goodies included: Horned Grebe and Barrow's Goldeneye (Area 2 - Laguna Lakes), all of the other regular waterfowl including several Blue-winged Teals at Cosumnes (Area 8), up to 6 Rough-legged Hawks, a high count for Rio Cosumnes, owl "slam" (Barn, Great Horned, Western Screech (second record), Short-eared (several teams), Long-eared (2 at Orr Ranch, Area 6), and Burrowing (several teams)), warblers included high counts of Black-throated Gray, Townsends, and Orange-crowned, a single Grasshopper Sparrow and Yellow-headed Blackbird (both in area 7 Main Cosumnes Preserve). High counts of Tricolored Blackbirds (over 500 birds), Brewers Blackbirds over 150,000 birds, and the huge European Starling flock at the Sacramento County Bufferlands (700,000 birds!). The latter species count of 1 million birds last year gave the Rio Cosumnes Count the dubious distinction of having the highest overall total for Starlings in the US or Canada. The 700K this year may again give us this notoriety! Shorebird numbers were very low but species were well represented. Both Great-tailed Grackles and Eurasian Collared-Dove numbers are increasing, with over 300 and 70 birds found respectively). In general, teams reported very high area totals (120 species at the Bufferlands (Area 1) led the way.
My special thanks to all the area leaders and all the participants on this count.  Andy Engilis

ANGWIN, NAPA COUNTY, Jan. 1 -- Compiler Floyd Hayes reported that "fortunately the weather cooperated and we had 43 participants. We tallied 131 species, which was only the 15th highest count of 43 thus far.  Highlights included two new species for the count, two Cassin's Finches and two long overdue Cackling Geese.  Other noteworthy birds included Mountain Chickadee, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Common Yellowthroat.

SONOMA VALLEY,Dec. 28 - Co-compiler Tom Rusert reported that on a cold, foggy, rainy day, a record 135 participants counted a record 176 species in the third annual Sonoma Valley Audubon Society count.  Notable birds included four Spotted Owls (SVAS led the nation with five in 2006), two Short-eared Owls, nine Golden Eagles, and three Ospreys.  Others:  Mountain Quail, Lawrence's Goldfinch,  Brewer's and Grasshopper sparrows, and Caspian and Forster's terns.

BENICIA,   Dec. 17 -- Compiler Robin Leong reported that on the 78th annual Benicia count, birders reported 166 species, including for the first time Eurasian Collared-Dove and Clay-colored  Sparrow.  Previous high species total was 171.  With fair weather, participants  registered record highs  of Lesser Scaup, 4,809; Green Heron, 4; Peregine Falcon, 8; Anna's Hummiongbird, 321; Nuttall's Woodpecker, 70; American Crow, 579, and Great-tailed Grackle, 6.

AUBURN AREA, Dec. 15--Compiler Deren Ross reported: "Because of the good weather and the possible species that might show up as a result of the recent storms, we were hoping for some uncommon visitors this year.  While Stellar Jay, Hairy Woodpecker, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, and Red-breasted Nuthatch numbers were up, the only montane surprise was  the nine Cassin's Finches in Meadow Vista.  As for unusual species, the list included 30 Eurasian Collared-Dove, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 4 Cackling Goose, 4 Cattle Egret, and 1 Snow Goose.  In addition, a fully Leucistic ('washed out'   plumage) Black Phoebe was seen and photographed.  A few high count species of note were: Golden Eagle, Lesser Goldfinch, and the Black Phoebe.  Good to see the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society mascot, the Black Phoebe,  is doing well.  On the downside, we had low counts for only two species- Yellow-billed Magpie and Wrentit.  On behalf of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society, I wish to thank all the participants for time and effort on this year's count.  See you next year!"
 
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December-January, 2007-2008 Christmas Count Schedule

Saturday, December 1
American River Natural History Association Annual Animal Count (and Birds!)
Compiler: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777

Saturday, December 15
Woodfords Christmas Count
Coodinator: Tim Fitzer, 916/870-5207                          e-mail: spskua2@comcast.net
Compiler: Andi Salmi, 916/691-7216                             e-mail: andisalmi@yahoo.com

Saturday, December 15
Auburn Christmas Count
Compiler: Deren Ross, 530/885-9740                           e-mail: derenross@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, December 16
Stockton Christmas Count
Compiler: Jim Rowoth, 209/956-2648                            e-mail: rowoth@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, December 16
Putah Creek Christmas Count
Compiler: Steve Hampton                                               e-mail: shampton@ospr.dfg.ca.gov

Monday, December 17
Napa/ Solano Christmas Count
Contact: Tim Fitzer (Grizzly Island), 916/870-5207        e-mail: spskua2@comcast.net
Compiler: Robin Leong, 707/643-1287                           e-mail: robin_leong@netzero.net

Saturday, December 22
Sacramento Christmas Count
Compiler; Mark Cudney, 916/987-2422                         e-mail: mcudney@aol.com

Thursday, December 27
Lincoln Christmas Count
Compiler: Ed Pandolfino                                                e-mail: ERPfromCA@aol.com

Friday, December 28
Sonoma Valley Christmas Count
Compilers: Rom Rusert & Darren Peterie, 707-939-8007          www.SonomaBirding.org

Sunday, December 30
Folsom Christmas Count
Compiler: Chris Conard, 916/362-5942                         e-mail: conardc@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 1
Angwin Christmas Count
Compiler: Floyd Hayes, 707/965-7577                          e-mail: floyd_hayes@yahoo.com

Thursday, January 3
Rio Cosumnes Christmas Count
Compiler: Andrew Engilis, Jr., 530/752-0364                e-mail: aengilisjr@ucdavis.edu

To find locations and dates for additional Christmas Bird Counts, visit http://natureali.org/cbcs.htm .
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2006-2007 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS BY AREA

SACRAMENTO
Clear, cold weather helped 38 observers record 156 species, one of the highest totals ever in the 57-year history of the Sacramento Christmas Bird Count. Held on December 30, highlights included a Kumlein Gull (considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull) reported by Ed Harper’s team; Vaux’s Swift (reported by Terry Colborn), American Tree Sparrow (reported by Scott Hoppe); Ruff at Conaway Ranch, Western Gull at the Davis Wetlands and a female Red-breasted Merganser at Greenhaven Lake.
“Most amazing, though, Maureen Geiger reported, “would be the roughly 15,000 Canvasbacks on the large pond near Discovery Park. The number is more than we have ever had before, and just one of those awesome sights, with all of them appearing to ever so slowly slide across the pond to get as far from us as possible.”

BENICIA
Seventy-four observers and three bored feeder watchers recorded 168 species and a total of 113,999 birds in the 60th Benicia Christmas Bird Count, December 18. Compiler Robin Leong said that in addition, Red-breasted  Merganser and Semipalmated Plover were seen during count week in the Solano/Solano (Grizzly Island) count circle.
With very little wind and temperatures as low as 25 degrees, there were no new species or really unusual species, although there were 3 Cattle Egrets, compiler Robin Leong said. Snow Geese were seen for the first time since 2002. The following species tied or broke the Benicia CBC high counts:
Eared Grebe 47, Pelagic Cormorant 8, Blue-winged Teal 12, Sharp-shinned Hawk 14, Cooper’s Hawk 23, Red-shouldered Hawk 33, Swainson’s Hawk 1, California Quail 217, Long-billed Curlew 542, Northern Pygmy-owl 2, Burrowing Owl 16, Short-eared Owl 33, Anna’s Hummingbird 320, Oak Titmouse 68, Rock Wren 22, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 394, American Robin 9320, Varied Thrush 151, Wrentit 9, Cedar Waxwing 672, Hutton’s Vireo 25, Common ellowthroat 188, Song Sparrow 883 (which includes m.m. maxillaris 447, both are Benicia CBC highs), Dark-eyed Junco 1270,and Great-tailed Grackle 2.

RIO COSUMNES
Compiler Andy Engilis reported: “I want to thank all 57 participants on this year’s Rio Cosumnes Christmas Count held on 2, January, 2007. The fantastic weather and exceptional access yielded a new record high of 160 species (+ 8 forms) represented by over 1.3 million birds, an exceptional total for an entirely inland count.  Three species were recorded for the first time. A Brown Thrasher was found by Andy and Irene Engilis in the Tall Forest of the Cosumnes River Preserve (it was later confirmed by John Trochet on 5, January, 2007).  Almost as amazing was a breeding plumage, male Bullock’s Oriole found by Andy Engilis and confirmed on count day by Ed Harper, Irene Engilis, and later by John Trochet. The bird was at the Cosumnes River Preserve in a Eucalyptus stand near the “Birders Shack.”
Most of the local winter records of orioles seem to be Hooded or even a lost Orchard Oriole, so this was a big surprise. Andy and Irene also found the count’s first Thayer’s Gull, a first winter bird, at the Desmond Road Ponds of the Cosumnes River Preserve. One other amazing find was a Blue Grosbeak seen and photographed on Merritt Island by Steve Hampton and Roger Adamson. This is the second Blue Grosbeak found on the Rio Cosumnes count; the first on 29, December, 1999. The latter bird was only one of two Blue Grosbeaks recorded in the United States during the 100th Christmas Count, and I am sure this year’s bird will be as rare.
Other rare birds observed included Horned Grebe (recorded only three times prior– observed on West Laguna Lake in Elk Grove), 9 Barrow’s Goldeneye (8 on West Laguna Lake, 1 on North Stone Lake), 50 Mountain Bluebirds (along Snodgrass Slough, Stone Lakes NWR–a huge number for the valley floor), Red-breasted Nuthatch (Tall Forest, Cosumnes Preserve–a rare find for this count particularly in a non-flight year) an Osprey (Cosumnes Preserve, Valensin Ranch, Dillard Road–only the second record), Eurasian Wigeon (Cosumnes Preserve, Desmond Road Ponds), 2 Redheads (one each at Cosumnes Preserve and Sacramento County Bufferlands), Grasshopper Sparrow (Cosumnes Preserve, Tall Forest Area),and 3 Barn Swallows (2 at Stone Lakes NWR and 1 at the Sacramento Bufferlands). We had high counts for over 20 species including a staggering 1 million Starlings (an all time high), 150,000+ Brewer’s Blackbirds, 20,000 Greater White-fronted Geese, and lots of waterfowl. Another trend was the increasing number of Eurasian Collared- Doves which spread this year from a single bird (last year’s CBC) to15 birds in five areas (essentially the eastern half of the count circle). We did experience all time lows on a few species as well, including Yellow-billed Magpies (151 birds observed) which is well below our lowest prior total of 488 birds in 1998. Last year’s total was 169, and the average prior to 2005 was 670 birds (1995- 2004). Great-tailed Grackles continue to be seen in multiple areas. With a total of 160 species, not much was missed (Steve and Roger, thanks for bailing us out with the count’s only Winter Wren, on Merritt Island –usually we get several along Cosumnes River). There were two additional species possibly seen but not fully confirmed and so not included in the species total. These were Western Tanager and Pine Siskin.”

FOLSOM
Compiler Chris Conard reported: “We had wonderful weather for a change and some good birds. The species total was 134. The total is about average (with a range of 123 to 143). Best finds were a Northern Saw-whet Owl in  Orangevale by Mark Martucci and a Northern Shrike by Craig Swolgaard and Ginny Hupp. The owl was not refound, but some nice photos were taken on count day.
The shrike, an immature, was near Folsom High School off of Iron Point Rd. Other highlights included the continuing male Redbreasted Merganser at Sailor Bar downstream of Nimbus Hatchery, Common Loon (8), over 100 Horned Grebes, Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, Mew, Thayer’s, and Glaucous-winged Gulls (and 30,000 gulls on Folsom Lake off Beal’s and Folsom Points). 20,000 were flying in over the dam (seen from Folsom Pt from 4:20 to 4:50), 5 Burrowing Owls, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Varied Thrush, Common Yellowthroat (often missed), Western Tanager, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle (42), and Pine Siskin. Misses included Canvasback (count week on Bass Lake), Redhead (missing this millennium, but regular before), Ring-necked Pheasant, American Bittern (often missed), Golden Eagle (too many houses? The answer is yes, but is that why we’re missing this bird?), Long-billed Dowitcher (often missed), Western Screech- Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker (two years in a row), Steller’s Jay (two years in a row), Redbreasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Canyon Wren, California Thrasher, Vesper Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Brown-headed Cowbird.
Thanks to all who helped with the count.”

HONEY LAKE
Compiler Tim Manolis, who started this CBC near Susanville in Lassen County in 1970, reported that eight birders in five parties counted 93 species in cool but sunny weather December 28. The species included lots of raptors and waterfowl and a “Gray-headed” Junco that was new for the count. Other highlights were a Red-shouldered Hawk and 31 Lapland Longspurs. Eurasian Collared- Doves appear to have become established in the area–one on last year’s count was the first ever, but 21 were tallied this year. 390 Common Ravens were the most ever on a Honey Lake CBC.

LINCOLN
Compiler Ed Pandolfino reported: “On December 27, we enjoyed a brisk day in the field with rain in the early morning and roaring winds in the afternoon on the fifth edition of the Lincoln CBC. We still tallied 134 species, a bit over our average of 131 and second only to the first year when we found 137 species. We did add five new species for the count: Blue-winged Teal, Osprey (count week), Eurasian Collared Dove, Mountain Bluebird and Purple Finch.
Other good finds were significant numbers of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts in multiple locations, Western Sandpiper, Winter Wren and Varied Thrush in multiple locations.
Misses included Gadwall (first time), Hooded Merganser and Lesser Scaup (second time), Peregrine Falcon  (second time), Wrentit (second time) and White-throated Sparrow (second time).
Two escapees of interest were the male Mandarin Duck returning for a second year and a possible Orange Bishop. Overall number of individuals was down about 10 percent compared to the average with most of the decrease due to waterfowl numbers. We had low numbers of geese–Greater White Fronts low and white geese VERY low. I doubt this is of any significance since one can see great fluctuations in these numbers from year to year and likely from day to day in these areas. We had an all time high in blackbirds with over 45,000 individuals of all species and over 14,000 Brewer’s.
Raptor numbers were low as were numbers of many passerines as well. The latter likely due to weather.  Yellow-billed Magpies, Western Scrub Jays, American Crow and Oak Titmouse numbers were way down for the second year, which could be due to West Nile Virus or the weather both years or, more likely, both. The number of Lincoln’s Sparrows which was nearly double the average, with nearly every area setting a new high. The number of Lincoln’s Sparrows exceeded the number of Song Sparrows for the first time and this same trend was seen in nearly every area. Odd.
Participation was down a little with 71 total participants vs. an average of 80 and 107 party hours vs. the average of 124.”

MARYSVILLE
Despite cold winds and rain, the latter especially hard in the afternoon, the 21 participants found 140 species on the Marysville CBC December 21, compiler Tim Manolis said. Highlights were a Bonaparte’s Gull, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Townsend’s Solitaire, each recorded on the count for the first time, plus Black Rail (regular on the count) and impressive and incomplete tallies of Snow Goose and Northern Pintail (at least 50,000+ Snow Geese and 35,000+ Pintail).

PUTAH CREEK
Compiler Steve Hampton reported: “The December 17 Putah Creek Christmas Bird Count featured high numbers of both birds and birders. Thanks in part to front-page coverage by the Davis Enterprise and crisp and clear weather, 96 people participated, falling just shy of the record (100) set in 1976 and 1977. We found 141 species, including one new for the count: Eastern Phoebe.
Other highlights included Clay-colored Sparrow, Cassin’s Vireo, and five Western Tanagers. Record high counts  were set for a whopping 25 species and tied for 5 more. There were no record low counts. New high counts were established for American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Redtailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Anna’s Hummingbird, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow. Record highs were tied for Eared Grebe, Virginia Rail (5, for the fourth year in a row), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2), Cassin’s Vireo (1), and Clay-colored Sparrow (1). The latter three had only been found once before on the count. Many species bounced back from record low counts during last year’s rainy count, including Great Blue Heron and Red-tailed Hawk.
The good weather enabled a cleaner analysis of the impacts of West Nile Virus (WNV). Despite the good weather and increased party hours, slightly fewer Yellow-billed Magpies were seen than last year. In terms of magpies per party hour, the steep two-year slide continued so that that numbers are now about 60 percent below the historical trend. Both Western Scrub-Jays and American Crows rebounded substantially, though remain below their historical trends.
Oak Titmice recovered only slightly, and remain over 50 percent below their trend. Perhaps the most interesting stat is that total birds per party hour was 24 percent higher during last year’s torrential rains, suggesting rain curtails birders more than birds.”

STOCKTON
“The Stockton CBC was held Dec. 17 amid glorious weather, in marked contrast to the abysmal conditions last year,” compiler Jim Rowoth reported. “The 47 counters tallied 144 species and some 1,101,489 individual birds, over 80 percent of which were starlings. This fact is due largely to the increasing number of acres of vineyards in the count circle. We missed Rough-legged Hawk for only the 6th time in 39 years. Lesser Scaup is also becoming harder to find of late. There were no real rarities that day, but species of note included Osprey, Swainson’s Hawk, all the expected falcons, Redhead, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pine Siskin, Winter Wren, Rock Wren, Glaucous-winged Gull, and Phainopepla. Rapidly becoming a regular on this count, unfortunately, is the Great-tailed Grackle (21 this  year).”

WOODFORDS
Heavy snow by 11am and 24-32 degree temperatures cut short this Alpine County CBC and the 27 participants were “chained up and heading for home by 1:30pm,” Dan Brown reported. The group counted 86 species, not bad in spite of the weather, said Dan, who subbed for compiler Tim Fitzer, ailing from apparent food poisoning. Highlights were nine American Dippers, 24 Mountain Bluebirds, an American Tree Sparrow, and 515 Pinyon Jays.