2009 Wyncote Christmas Bird Count Report
The annual Wyncote Christmas Bird Count was held this year on January 2, 2010. The Count was originally scheduled for December 19, 2009, but a storm that weekend dumped as much as 22” of snow in the Philadelphia area. Despite the postponement and less than ideal weather conditions on count day, thirty-seven participants in 11 groups were out in the field to cover our traditional count circle. The weather on count day was not good for counting birds. Partly sunny conditions, temperatures below freezing and winds of 15-25 mph made for a difficult day. A total of 58 species were identified on count day, with a well below-average 8,218 individuals counted. Our ten-year average is 65 species and 10,597 individuals; while our average for all 84 counts conducted are 51 species and 9,668 individuals.There were no new species identified during this year’s count. A Peregrine Falcon found by Keith Russell carrying a small bird at Monastery Stable along the Wissahickon was only the 2nd one found during the history of the count (the other was in 1985). A Pine Warbler found at a feeder was also a 2nd record; the first coming in 2005. Despite the cold weather, some “half-hearty” species were found – 2 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Gray Catbirds, and 5 Eastern Towhees were all good finds. Lesser Black-backed Gull has become almost annual over the past 10 years. Some good birds were found during the week of the count, but were not recorded on count day: Wood Duck, Merlin, Snow Goose, Pied-billed Grebe, Brown Thrasher, American Tree Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow and Brewer’s Blackbird. Sparrow numbers have been low the past few years and this year is no exception. Only 55 Song Sparrows, 548 White-throated Sparrow and 399 Dark-eyed Juncos were observed. The wind on count day made finding sparrows a challenge. In addition, Northern Harrier, Herring Gull, Black-capped Chickadee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Grackle and Brown-headed Cowbird were all missed. Thanks to everyone who braved the wind and the cold to head out looking for birds. Without your help and participation Christmas Bird Counts can’t succeed. Next year’s count will be on December 18th, so mark you calendars now. ~ Andy Fayer Wyncote CBC Compiler |