An abundance or lack of birds at one location in one season does not make a trend. Noting the change is worthwhile as there is no way to know if the observed change is part of a trend. This winter some observers have commented on few or no Dark-eyed Juncos in back yards and at feeders; while others have reported usual numbers.
My experience is in the ‘lack’ department. I’ve not seen a Junco since January 3 and I saw very few up to that date. Numbers of White-throated Sparrows appear down too.
I’ve just checked my general bird sighting records and my reports to Project FeederWatch. There is a significant change in the number and frequency of sightings of Juncos this winter season compared to previous years. As there is no change in the habitat and surroundings I have no explanation. In a couple of years time I’ll know if this season was just a fluke.
In nine previous years (1998-2008) in which I recorded observations the last Junco sighting recorded was March 2 - April 3. In years when I recorded yard sightings frequently I observed Juncos every time.
In previous FeederWatch seasons I observed Juncos every time I counted. This season I’ve seen Juncos on 2 of 8 count periods and two birds was the highest number seen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel
The Carolina Bird Club trip on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel was a success despite the weather forecasts. When I looked at the forecasts of rain, wind and low temperatures for Saturday I considered not going. It's a long drive to be miserable and not see birds. I went and the trip was worth it. The rain held off for most of the morning.
Brant was probably a LIFER for me. Long-tailed duck I've seen perhaps once or twice before. There were small flocks at CBBT and plumage details were clear. Despite the overcast sky and heaving seas birds were clear in scopes. People who've been on the bridge islands often said the birds were further away than usual ... probably because of the heaving seas.
The Surf and Black Scoters in breeding plumage were impressive. I've only seen them in winter plumage before.
A bonus were seals. Our police escort alerted us to their presence. The seals are wary of humans. I watched one individual floating on its back as if it was a balmy day ... perhaps from the animal's point of view it was.
Our birding on the Eastern Shore was limited as the rain kept most birds under cover.
Brant was probably a LIFER for me. Long-tailed duck I've seen perhaps once or twice before. There were small flocks at CBBT and plumage details were clear. Despite the overcast sky and heaving seas birds were clear in scopes. People who've been on the bridge islands often said the birds were further away than usual ... probably because of the heaving seas.
The Surf and Black Scoters in breeding plumage were impressive. I've only seen them in winter plumage before.
A bonus were seals. Our police escort alerted us to their presence. The seals are wary of humans. I watched one individual floating on its back as if it was a balmy day ... perhaps from the animal's point of view it was.
Our birding on the Eastern Shore was limited as the rain kept most birds under cover.
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