Golden-crowned KingletRutland County Audubon’s 42nd Annual Christmas Bird Count took place on Saturday, January 2. Weather conditions for the count were favorable with dry roads and temperatures a degree or two below freezing.
Count statistics reverted to the running ten-year averages for both individual birds and bird species. Count day produced 8,437 individual birds as compared to the ten-year running average of 8,480. Day species numbered 53 with an extra two recorded during count week. This compares with a ten-year running average of 51 species. A Northern Harrier and a Rough-legged Hawk were observed during count week.
New records were set for Great Blue Heron with a sighting of 4 birds, Canada Geese that tallied 1,444 birds and Song Sparrow that came in with 12 individuals. The larger than normal number of Canada Geese resulted from unusually large numbers that happened to be moving south on count day.
It was gratifying to welcome several new observers to the count and to the traditional and enjoyable countdown pot luck supper that concluded the day.