NAS CBC summary

[Dmcwhir513@aol.com]

Chatters -

Here's a near final draft of the lead portion of the NAS CBC summary:


   There were 57 NAS counts reviewed in Michigan this CBC season, probably 
the highest total ever, with several new or revived counts.  A total of 147 
species was tallied.  Another 5 species were added during count weeks.  

   A reported total of 971,482 birds was well within 5% of the highest count 
and over twice the 40 year average.  There were 1144 observers with 3026.5 
recorded party hours; both establish new high marks.  Feeder watchers numbered 
2781, with 633.5 hours of vigilance.  Nocturnal hours amounted to 228.8, much 
better than last year.

   Monroe secured top honors on count day with 82 species.  Anchor Bay and 
Berrien Springs were close at hand with 81 each. When count week species were 
factored in, the totals were 82, 84, and 88 respectively.

   The weather for all counts was good to excellent.  Only one count had a 
reported high temperature of less than freezing and the majority had highs in 
the 40's and 50's! The word balmy is apt.  Complete snow cover, a measly 6" or 
less, occurred on just 2 counts, both in the U.P., and only 7 other counts 
reported any snow at all!  Perhaps tropical is a better word.

   Winds were not excessive, although 5 counts did have winds of 25 mph or 
greater.  Their results did not seem much affected by this.  Precipitation was 
nonexistent or light.  Still water was noted as frozen on only a few counts and 
moving water was generally quite open.

   As noted above, the weather on count days was easy on birds and observers 
and doubtless influenced the outcome.  Lack of snow cover may have had a 
negative impact on the number of birds seen at feeders; however, open water may 
have led to increased numbers of waterfowl, despite some lakes freezing over 
before the count period.

   New maximums were set for 15 species and one species was added to the 
count with one being seen on count day for the first time.  Given the total of 
birds seen overall, it's a bit surprising more records weren't established.  For 
a few common, widespread species (e.g., Black-capped Chickadee) it looks like 
increased observer hours do not lead to an increased number of birds seen, 
suggesting a saturation of effort.

   The two new species were a Black-billed Magpie on the Eagle Harbor count 
and a Gray-capped Rosy-Finch in the Keewenaw circle.  The latter has been seen 
during one count week before.  Both were very well documented and this 
compiler is reluctantly forced to concede their validity even though he failed to add 
them to his state list. 

   Except for the above, there were few outright rarities for the state.  The 
next most unusual birds were a calling Boreal Owl at Little Bay de Noc, a 
Green-tailed Towhee at Marquette, and two Indigo Buntings at feeders, one each on 
the Marquette and Houghton County.  The owl has made count week 4 times now 
without hitting a count day.


Take care.   - Doug McWhirter


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