CCBC Fall Count 2017 in Excel Format

The Carroll County Bird Club held its most recent Fall Bird Count on September 16, 2017.   Nineteen observers in nine parties put in 40 hours on foot and 18 hours on the road for a total of 267 miles in all parts of the county.  3895 individual birds of 96 different species were recorded.  The species count was higher than that of 2015 (93), however, fell a bit short of that recorded in 2012 (101), 2013 (98), 2014 (103), and 2016 (105). 

Still there was a good variety of birds seen.  Either in the water or on the shore were recorded Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, and Lesser Yellowlegs.  This was in addition to the usual large numbers of Canada Geese and Mallards.

We missed out on Sharp-shinned Hawk and Osprey, however, counters were lucky enough to get views of Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, and Northern Harrier.  Owls were well represented with Screech, Great Horned, and Barred.  The recent trend showing more Black Vultures than Turkey Vultures was soundly reversed with 103 Turkey over 18 Black.  This may be due to the time of year.  Or the weather? Anyone want to hazard a guess?

All of the woodpeckers put in an appearance except the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  Numbers of Red-headed (9) and Pileated (14) were quite impressive.

There were also 21 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds still around.

Both White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos were recorded.  There was also one Warbling Vireo included as a write-in.  Seventeen warbler species made their way onto the list.

Sparrows were lacking in variety however.  Mostly Chipping and Song were recorded.  Two Field Sparrows and nine Eastern Towhees also made themselves known. 

Write-ins were few, however, the Common Hawks spotted by Henry Leskinen were particularly notable.  Acadian Flycatchers were also recorded in two different locations.

There was no tally rally.  Thanks to all who counted!  The next count will be the Mid-Winter Count on January 20, 2018.  I hope you will be able to join us.

Now for the top twenty:

European Starling                                        755

Canada Goose                                             331

Blue Jay and American Crow                       219

Common Grackle                                         200

Gray Catbird                                                 167

Northern Cardinal                                         136

Brown-headed Cowbird                                121

Turkey Vulture                                              103

Carolina Chickadee                                       96

Carolina Wren                                               95

Mourning Dove                                              94

Red-bellied Woodpecker                               87

Tufted Titmouse                                            84

American Goldfinch                                       79

House Finch                                                  78

Mallard                                                          72

American Robin                                            67

Eastern Bluebird                                           63

Red-winged Blackbird                                   61

Rock Pigeon                                                  60