The 7th Annual C&O Canal Midwinter Bird Survey data is now posted on the DC
Audubon web
site. <<http://www.dcaudubon.org/>http://www.dcaudubon.org/>. The survey
took place on the weekend of January 29, 2005, a week later than planned
because of a snowstorm on the original date. Only one assigned party did
not participate. Incredibly, a record 97% of the entire Canal was covered
(181.5 of the 184.5 miles). 80 species and nearly 18,000 individuals were
reported, including two new birds Mute Swan and Peregrine Falconwhich
brings a composite total of 107 species over the 7 consecutive counts.
Those that participated had a bit of respite from the ongoing worry of
global warming as the temperatures along the towpath hovered from the low
teens to just above freezing. In spite of these cold temperatures, we
continued to find Northern Phoebes ( 9 ) and Yellow-rumped Warblers ( 64).
Highlights of this year’s count were 20 eagles, including one Golden, and a
record high 392 Common Mergansers, which were reported in 33 of the mile
sectors. The more than 90 participants, many of whom have been doing their
territories for years, deserve praise for their efforts. I appreciate Dave
Smith and Frank Boyle for taking on some extra miles at the last
moment. Special thanks goes to the National Park Service, particularly
Marie Sauder of the C&O Canal National Historical Park for all of her and
the Park Service’s organizational and logistical support including help in
getting several of us into the remote areas of Allegany County.
Peter Vankevich, Compiler
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