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January 15, 2019
Here they are….the long awaited results of our Squamish Christmas Bird Count, held on December 15. (It’s not Spring yet, is it?) We were lucky with weather, bordering on a divine intervention. Steady rain was forecast, but it never materialized and the count was held under overcast skies.
Totals
Number of species:73, a good average total.
Number of individual birds: 7093
Highlights of the day
- 1 Horned Lark
- 1 Pygmy Owl
- 2 Killdeer
- 45 Anna’s Hummingbird. Wow!! Even seeing one a few years ago was amazing.
- 1 Virginia Rail. Another species that has become a regular in recent years.
- 1 Swamp Sparrow. We have been seeing as many as three all fall and winter. It makes me wonder if they have been here other years and overlooked, and now noticed as the skill level in our birding community increases.
- 1 White Throated sparrow
Numbers that seem low
This is a subjective observation, but it seems we saw lots more years ago.
- 38 Common Goldeneye
- 18 Barrow’s Goldeneye
Eagles: 875
- 673 adults
- 199 juvenile
- 3 unknown
We seemed to have covered the species expected in any year. The winter northern species such as Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, and White-winged Crossbills did not make an appearance. Only one owl showed itself, but they are always hit and miss. Detailed results can be found on the Audubon website. Type BCSQ in the ‘count code’ field.
A huge thanks to all who participated. There would be no CBC without you. Let’s do it again next year!
Marcia Danielson
Audubon Christmas Bird Counts are held December 14 through January 5 each year throughout the Americas. The Squamish count is usually held in mid-December. Everyone is welcome, but advance registration is required. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page, or sign-up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, including the CBC.
Banner photo: Ruby-crowned kinglet