Christmas Bird Count Wrap-up

82^nd Portland Christmas Bird Count Sets Record

by Wink Gross, compiler

Portland Christmas Bird Count

 "Bad weather, good birds", however true or not, is often a helpful mantra when birding in the Pacific Northwest.  And it must have been working for the hardy participants of the 82nd Portland Christmas Bird Count on January 5 this year.  Facing forecasts of high winds and thunderstorms, well over a hundred intrepid field observers found 118 species, obliterating the old record of 113, which had stood for 32 years.  All areas of the count contributed to the total, with "North Portland/Columbia Riparian" leading the way with an astounding 106 species, including such spectacular finds as Tree Swallow (first for the count) and Osprey.  The Osprey, only the second ever recorded on the count--the first was in 1947, won Ry Thompson and his team the coveted "Eagle Eye Award" for best bird.  They got extra points for seeing it catch a carp.

 Other highlights were record numbers of Common and Red-throated Loons, 7 and 6, respectively.  Lesser Goldfinch continues to increase in the Portland area:  this year's 225 eclipsed last year's record 132.  60 Common Goldeneye was almost three times the previous high count.  Bald Eagles continue to increase with 26, breaking last year's record of 17.  On the other hand, Sharp-shinned Hawks were scarce.   Demonstrating why it takes a lot of careful birding and some luck to break the record, twelve species were represented by single birds--such as the Spotted Sandpiper found by Rick Brown in Lake Oswego.

 One of the oddest yet beautiful sightings:  Jacob and Peter Spendelow watched as a perfect V of 7 Snow Geese on one leg and 8 Tundra Swans on the other flew overhead.

 The effort in the field was supplemented by over 30 feeder watchers, who sensibly stayed inside.  Their contribution was important, adding significant numbers to the totals for Anna's Hummingbird, Pine Siskin, and both goldfinches.  And Margaret Linn, a feeder watcher in SW Portland, spotted the only two California Quail on the count-- species #118!

 The success of this year's count was the result of hard work by the area leaders: Char Corkran, John Fitchen, Lori Hennings, Lynn Herring, Pat Muller, and Sam Pointer.   They did a great job organizing the teams and ensuring that everybody had a great time.  I offer a hearty "Thank you!" to them all.

The 83^rd Portland Christmas Bird Count will be held on January 3, 2009.  Mark your calendars.  We’re going for 125!