The weather was lovely, sunny and breezy, and we got to watch the sun set over the lake. However, there had been a controlled burn in the area earlier in the week which made song birds scarce. We found two forested areas that had not been burned, but there were campers in both areas who were enjoying very loud music. So, we did not see or hear much there either.
Also the road across the dam was closed, hindering our ability to get a close-up view of the hundreds of water birds that perch along the rocks and fishing nets along the base of the dam. I am sure we missed some species and did not get as accurate of a count as if we could have driven further in. Still we were able to positively identify a large number of birds.
Here is what we saw or heard:
- 17 Canada geese
- 210 Ring-billed gulls
- 1 Killdeer
- 1 Chipping Sparrow
- 3 Brown-headed Nuthatches
- 5 American Robins
- 1 Belted Kingfisher
- 2 Eastern Towhees
- 50 American Coots
- 500 Double-crested Cormorants
- 1 Great Blue Heron
- 4 House Sparrows
- 1 Mockingbird
Total number of birds counted over all three days: 1,499
If you are new to bird watching, keep in mind that we have been at this for five years and know our area really well. There are A LOT of prime birding locations in our county, and over the years, we have learned what to keep an eye (and an ear) out for. If you know me irl or are a certain internet friend who wants to come visit me (you know who you are), come on down some time, and I'll take you to all the good spots.
Maybe we can have our own blogging/birding convention, hmmm....
What would we call it?
Blirdging!
Blording!
Blogirding!
I don't know. That's sounds more like a convention for Swedes. Maybe, we'll just all call ourselves the Birding Chicks!
How was your GBBC weekend? Please do tell!
Happy Birding!
Dawn
Amazing. My kids saw 6 bluebirds today while I was in the bed and I saw a new bird. I was too sick to get the camera but I *think* it was a dark-eyed junco. We only totaled about 18 species and about 500 birds. Pretty big improvement from last year, though.
ReplyDeleteYou're a nut, and I love you for it. ; )
ReplyDeleteWe didn't take a formal count on Monday because Ryne and Grace had friends over all day. But I checked the feeder all through the day and only saw chickadees. We really need to start visiting some different sites in our area. And, yes, definitely a trip to see you. : )
Heather, y'all did a great job this year! I enjoyed reading your lists, and it will grow as the kids do.
ReplyDeleteKellie, guilty as charged! ;)