Christmas Bird Count, 2005
It was a dark and stormy morning on Janyary 1, 2006, when ten groups of bird watchers braved the rain and wind and cold to look for owls and to start the 64th Annual Eugene Christmas Bird Count! Then, in late morning, the sun appeared, the wind died down and it almost got hot--thus began the 2005 Eugene Christmas Bird.
Ultimately, 27 teams with 113 bird watchers and 42 home feeder counters saw 139 bird species. This broke the previous high of 134 species. 74,135 individual birds were recorded, down almost 8,000 birds from last year. Record high numbers were recorded for fifteen species which are identified with an "RH" on the list that follows. There were also fifteen species with very low numbers, and they too are indicated on the count list. There were no new species added to the count. Rare and unusual* species that were seen included Ross's goose, brant, black-crowned night-heron, Swainson's hawk, red phalarope, snowy owl, black phoebe, tree swallow, northern mockingbird, common yellowthroat and vesper sparrow. Cinnamon teal, prairie falcons and hermit warblers were seen during count week but they are not included in the total for the actual count. Species that have been seen with some regularity on previous counts but were not seen on this count include western sandpiper, least sandpiper, mountain quail, American bittern and red crossbill. The falcated duck spotted earlier in the month was not seen on Count Day or during Count Week.
One interesting observation about the team leaders this year is that the eldest team leader was 91, Wilbur Jessen, and the youngest team leader was 19, Noah Stryker--proof that bird watching is a life long activity that appeals to people of all ages.
Count Day ended with a delicious chili feed for all participants, whether out on the count or behind the scenes, sponsored by the Audubon Society of Lane County. (Ed. Note: The local community is fortunate to have the dedicated membership of this chapter in our area. A round of applause and thanks go out to all who volunteered their time and energies to make this year's count a success.)
Additional information about the results of this 106 year old national research project can be found on the National Audubon Society website:
For local information about all activities of the Lane County Audubon Society visit
http://www.laneaudubon.org/program.htm
*"Unusual" species is jargon used in the CBC which can mean "unusual for the area" and/or "unusual for this time of year."
Submitted by the ECBC Committee
Tuesday, January 24 7:30PM: The Woodpecker's Tongue And Other Useful Adaptations of Birds.
Dan Gleason, of The Lane County Audubon Society will explore the great diversity of adaptations that have evolved in birds to help them better survive and compete with their neighbors. Some of these adaptations, such as the woodpecker's specialized tongue and the great variety of beaks found in birds, involve food-gathering. Other adaptations allow greater facility for flight or other ways of maneuvering through the environment. We often see adaptations in birds without pausing to think about them as anything other than distinct field markings, such as conical beaks or black wings, but such features are important to a bird's survival. Many other adaptations remain hidden from our direct view but are also vital for survival. Did you know, for example, that birds have a two-part stomach and that their respiratory system is the most efficient of all animals (including humans)? There are also adaptations involving behavioral patterns and activities. Understanding the many adaptations found in birds increases our awareness and appreciation for these marvelous creatures. The meeting will be held at the Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High Street. Everyone is welcome.
