09 Migratory Bird Count Commentary

Our highest total on a Migratory Bird Count in the past 7 years was in 2005 when Migratory Count Day fell on May 14. On that day, we observed 144 species.

Species observed that year that were not observed this year are: Eared Grebe, Red-head, Scaup Species, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Northern Goshawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Pectoral Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Black Tern, Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Willow Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Veery, Swainson’s Thrush, American Pipit, Tennessee Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, and Brewer’s Blackbird.

Species observed this year on May 9, 2009, with a species total of 138, that were not observed in 2005 are: Trumpeter Swan, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Northern Harrier, Willet, Wilson’s Snipe, Boneparte’s Gull, Snowy Owl, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Wilson’s Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, and Rusty Blackbird.

Species observed last year that were not observed this year are: Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Scaup Species, Ring-necked Pheasant, Great Blue Heron, Broad-winged Hawk, American Coot, Great Horned Owl, Chimney Swift, Yellow-throated Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Bohemian Waxwing, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and Black-throated Blue Warbler. ( 9 parties, 16 observers, 136 species May 10)

Species observed this year that were not observed last year are: Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Great Egret, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Virginia Rail, Willet, Boneparte’s Gull, Snowy Owl, Eastern Wood Pewee, Sedge Wren, Brown Creeper, Wilson’s Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, and Pine Siskin. ( 7 parties, 16 observers, 138 species May 9 )

From the compiler’s perspective, the most unusual species observed for this year’s count might be the Willet.

Compiler: Bob Carstens

Migratory 2010 Count

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