A look at the results of the recent Christmas Bird Count reveals some interesting facts. The total seen ( 120 species and 55,000 individuals) is about average for the past 90 years. But, as is typical, the numbers for specific species varied. Some were up; some, down.
For example, woodpeckers seem plentiful with the quantities of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Flickers, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers setting new highs. Red-headed Woodpecker also set a record. And the number of Downy Woodpeckers was the highest in 17 years.
On the negative side, for the first time in 57 years no one saw a single Green-winged Teal. And there were also no sightings of Purple Finch.
Another number that surprises many backyard birders is the quantity of Robins seen. The common impression is that Robins migration south in winter. Yet over 1,000 Robins were seen on the Christmas Count.
There were more Robins than the total number of Chickadees, Titmouse, and Cardinals combined. Yet we believe Robins go south while Chickadees, Titmouse and Cardinals frequent our feeders all winter.
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