Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave up their day or weekend to participate in the many Audubon Christmas Bird counts. I hope it was enjoyable and everyone stayed warm.
We had some exciting results in the Rock Creek Park sector of the count this year. In all previous count years the record species total was 47. This year we had a 53 species!
Among some of the more unusual species include an American Turkey seen on the Rock Creek Park golf course, a Merlin also seen on the golf course, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Northern Harrier, Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, and all three species of resident owls (Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned).
We have not had a Great Horned Owl on the count in many years, so that is an exciting addition too. It is a lesson in persistence and patience. Keep trying for those resident species that should be present. You never know when one might turn up.
Good birding and good luck with the rest of the counts!
Denise Ryan
