Hello all-this is a follow-up to the previous post announcing a bird count
at the former Naval Academy Dairy Farm and I am posting this for Marilyn
Taylor and Janet Mackey, organizers of the count.


Bobbi Reichwein



Despite the cold and wind, we counted more species this year than last: 49
compared to 46 last year.

Since the huge flocks of Canada Geese that were seen last year (more than
6,700 in 2009!) weren’t around this year, the total number of birds was
considerably lower: 1,567 birds this year compared to 8,481 last.  When the
Canada Geese are taken out, there were 1,471 this year and 1,753 last year.
Pretty good given the cold and wind.  Last year there were 16 counters, and
this year there were 23.

Several birders went back out after the tally in search of Horned Lark.
Although they didn’t see them, they did see 6 Meadow Larks and 2 Savannah
Sparrows in that area and at least 100 crows(sp.) by the pond.  Those birds
are included in the tally.

An Excel spreadsheet is available that shows the totals by species for each
of the 5 areas, for those of you who are interested in the details.  It
prints on a single page if you want to look at a paper copy.  [Contact me
(Bobbi) and I will forward it on to you.]

A spring count is being planned for April or May, and we will let you know
about it and hope you will join us again.

Janet and Marilyn