
|
|
The Stanton Bird Club held their 2008 Christmas Bird Count Saturday Dec. 20 for the Lewiston / Auburn area. A total of 52 species were recorded, above last year's 46 and the 10-year average of 49. Waterfowl, gulls, and doves were particularly low; yet with Lake Auburn open there were loons, scaup, and goldeneyes plus lots of Mallards and Black Ducks on the Androscoggin River, and even one Belted Kingfisher was found (by Dan Marquis' group). Only one Brown Creeper was found (Doug Beck's group). On the
high side were crows which were everywhere in numbers. Titmice tied the maximum
seen since 1980. All seven groups had American Robins, setting a new high since
1980, White-throated Sparrows also set a new Nearly all irruptive species were found, although not in numbers, including Northern Shrike, Snow Bunting (most by Tom Hayward's group), Pine Grosbeak (Dan Marquis' group), Common Redpoll (Carole Jean's group), and Pine Siskin (Linda Seamans' group). White-winged Crossbills were found for the first time, since 1980, previously seen only on count week (found by Joan DeOrsey). A Rough-legged Hawk was also new to the count (Stan DeOrsey's group). Other particularly good finds were one Hermit Thrush (found by Tom Marston) and one Rusty Blackbird (Dan Marquis' group). Missed species included the Peregrine Falcon normally at St. Mary's Church, although two were seen on Friday (by Bonnie Soper). Also no Pileated Woodpeckers were recorded, nor were Bohemian Waxwing or Evening Grosbeaks. Over 30 people took part including a team of Junior Naturalists lead by Susan Hayward and Gloria Moreau. The Junior Naturalists progressed house-to-house on a prearranged route to count at feeders. They all enjoyed themselves immensely particularly with the heated homes and sweets! -- plus good birds. We thank everyone who helped. COUNT COMPILER: STAN DEORSEY |
|
* Refers to species new to the count
| 2008 COUNT
RESULTS Count
Week Total
species ...........................54 |
2007 COUNT RESULTS
Total Count DaySpecies...........46 Total Individuals..................6236 |
2006 COUNT RESULTS American Black Duck................ 21 Total Identified
Species...........42 |
2005 COUNT RESULTS 1.
American Black Duck .......... 18 Total Identified Species...........50 Total Individuals..................6977
|
2004 COUNT RESULTS 1. American Black Duck........... 33 Total Identified Species...........44 Total Individuals..................5506 10 Year Average..................... 49 ...............................................6000
|