Date:         Tue, 16 Dec 2003 14:44:40 -0500
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Carol /Oscar Ghebelian <gheb@BELLATLANTIC.NET>
Subject:      Re: St Michaels CBC - Unofficial Summary
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George

You may be interested in this report.  Note the numbers DOWN at the end.  Wonder what we will find.

carol

Les Roslund wrote:
>
>         The St Michaels Christmas Bird Count was held on Dec 14 in 
> conditions of constant rain, along with a fair amount of wind on a 
> quite chilly day.  Nevertheless, the totals for species count and 
> total birds were fairly close to those of recent years.  At the end of 
> the day, the record showed 91 species and 63,229 individuals.  Good 
> coverage was attained for the entire count region.
>         But a closer look at the numbers will show that things were 
> really not all that close to normal. (Note that all numbers shown are 
> preliminary and unofficial).
>
>         First - the good news - the following species were found in 
> 2003, but not found in 2002: American Coot (1), Bonaparte's Gull (2), 
> Northern Pintail (3), Red Head (1), Dunlin (18), and Baltimore Oriole 
> (1 at a feeder).
>         More Canada Geese were sighted in '03 than in '02 (~36,500 in 
> '02; ~41,500 in '03).  The American Robin count was the highest since 
> '97, and was triple the '02 number.
>         Swans must have found shelter somewhere, for numbers were low 
> for both species.  Yet, for the first time in 5 years, there were more 
> Tundra Swan than European Mutes (299 Tundra; 194 Mute).
>
>         Now for the bad news. Unusually low counts for the following 
> species were found: (percentage shown is the 2003 number as compared 
> to the average number for the past 7 years in the St Michaels Count)
>         Black Vulture (10%) - these birds seem to have slid away this year
>         Turkey Vulture (33%) - kept down by the weather
>         All Raptors were low, as would be expected
>         Killdeer (20%) - probably around, just well hidden
>         C. Chickadee, T. Titmouse, C. Wren - (all at 33%; all of these seem
>              to have experienced winter kill during the winter of 
> '02-'03)
>
>         Eastern Bluebird (20%) - definitely reflecting winter kill
>
>         American Crow (60 reported, as compared to around 200 in 
> recent
> years)
>         House Finch (89 reported, as compared to around 600 in recent years)
>         Eastern Meadowlark (none found on count day, but one counter had
> found
>                 six of them while scouting on Saturday)
>         Northern Bobwhite - count total finally reached ZERO (last year a
>                 single bird had been reported). A few coveys are known to be
>                 around, so weather conditions just kept them from being
> found.
>
>         Overall, the count was quite a success, with a good number of 
> people out braving the conditions, and all were delighted to find at 
> least some birds.  Most of us were surprised by the 'close to normal' 
> totals.
>
>
> Les Roslund
> Lroslund@bluecrab.org
> Talbot County
> Easton MD 21601
>
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--
Carol Ghebelian
Indian Head, MD
gheb@bellatlantic.net

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