Message:

[

Previous   Next

]

By Topic:

[

Previous   Next

]

Subject:

2005 C&O Canal Midwinter Bird Survey Results

From:

Peter Vankevich

Reply-To:

Peter Vankevich

Date:

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 19:22:13 -0400

Parts/Attachments:

Parts/Attachments

text/plain (28 lines) , text/plain (7 lines)

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


    


No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.6/111 - Release Date: 9/23/2005