The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for the Lower Westchester–Upper Bronx area took place last Sunday with an estimated 90 people participating. Preliminary data show a total of 126 species were seen which ties the record for the greatest number of species seen in the 89 years of this count. The total number of birds counted was over 30,000.
Three species were seen for the first time ever on the CBC:
a Barnacle Goose in Van Courtland Park
a Magnolia Warbler at Wave Hill in the Bronx
2 Clay-colored Sparrows, one in Pelham Bay Park and a 2nd bird at the Marshlands.
Surprisingly, the total numbers some common species seen was low
The number of Mallards seen was the lowest total in 29 years
The number of Starlings seen was the lowest total in 69 years
The number of Mute Swans was the lowest total in 26 years
On the positive side the total numbers seen set new high records or greatly exceeded numbers not seen for decades in some species: Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Red-necked Grebe and White-winged Crossbills
What does this all mean? As my old professor used to say “one point does not make a trend.” Over time patterns do emerge. In the short run, it means that many people spent enjoyable time as “citizen scientists”. And that’s not all bad
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