123rd Christmas Bird Count 2022-2023
Written by Andy McCormick
Andy McCormick, Volunteer and Former Board President of Eastside Audubon
Eastside Audubon held its 39th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday, December 17, 2022. The count was part of the 123rd CBC sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The weather was quite good for birding. A bit of light rain and spitting snow did not hinder field teams from covering their appointed areas. The chapter fielded a full complement of 15 teams and one feeder watcher provided bird counts seen around their home. In total the teams found 94 species of birds on Count Day and a review of eBird postings for Count Week, which includes the three days before and three days after Count Day, found another seven species seen by other birders within the EAS Count Circle for a total species count of 101, which is below the historical high of 110 species in 2019, but above the ten-year average of 97 species.
SOME RARE BIRDS
Two bird species were reported for the first time in EAS CBC history. The first, a Townsend’s Solitaire was seen along the East Lake Sammamish Trail, and the second, a Cinnamon Teal was reported from Sammamish. A Pacific Loon was reported on Lake Sammamish for the second time in our count’s history. The first report was in 2019. For only the third time a Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported calling near Sikes Lake. Snow Geese (10) have been observed on the EAS CBC more frequently in recent years and were reported again this year. One Hutton’s Vireo, although not rare, is uncommon, and was seen for the fourth consecutive year and the 10th year out of the previous 21 years.
HIGH COUNTS
Dark-eyed Juncos (totaled 1,385 this year) led the pack in abundance at twice their 10-year average. One of them was a Slate-colored Junco, a subspecies usually found east of the Rocky Mountains. Thrushes did well this year. Fox Sparrows (66, 135%) had their highest total since 2015. . Varied Thrushes (46, 121%) were reported widely in Western Washington this winter and this increase was reflected in our count circle as well. A whopping 782 American Robins recorded the highest count since 2002 when 1,350 were reported. Three Hermit Thrushes were seen on Count Day this year. Purple Finch (44) and American Goldfinch (82) rebounded to double the 10-year average. Fox Sparrows (66) were also well above average. It was heartening to see Virginia Rail (9) numbers increase 50% above their 10-year average and American Coot (970) doubled their average count. Nine Wilson’s Snipes at Marymoor Park was double the usual number.
LOW COUNTS
For the first time since 2007, Townsend’s Warbler was not seen on the EAS CBC. However, Yellow-rumped Warblers (10) were seen at twice the 10-year average. Only one Red-breasted Sapsucker was seen this year. This sapsucker count is usually in low single digits, but a banner year of 22 in 2016 has skewed the average to 8 per year. Golden-crowned Kinglets (93) were seen at only 40% of the 10-year average. Ruby-crowned Kinglets (87) were at an average count. Pileated Woodpecker (4) came in at half the 10-year average. Short-billed Gulls (75) had another low count this year as did Glaucous-winged Gulls (36).
WATERFOWL
Waterfowl numbers vary considerably from year-to-year, but there has been a downward trend for several species over the past 10 years. This decline was true for Ruddy Duck (2, 8%) which were dramatically low, Common Goldeneye (7, 39%), Northern Pintail (42, 53%), Common Merganser (65, 76%), Green-winged Teal (55, 59%) and Mallards (934, 80%). Northern Shoveler (35, 125%) and Hooded Merganser (96, 148%) were both above the 10-year average. Canvasback (15, 250%) were seen on Count Day this year. Geese were reported in average numbers. The total for Cackling Geese (5,330, 93%) was considerably lower than the 8,274 of 2021 and 10,380 of 2020, but in line with the 10-year average of 5,719. Canada Geese (1,004, 82%) held a steady count this year.
RAPTORS AND OWLS
Bald Eagles (30) and Red-tailed Hawks (28) were both seen in slightly low numbers. Unfortunately, the pick-up of five Northern Harriers last year was followed by only one harrier seen during Count Week. Three Cooper’s Hawks and three Sharp-shinned Hawks were recorded. Again, two Barred Owls were calling in Sammamish, and a Barn Owl was spotted in the Snoqualmie Valley. A surprise Northern Pygmy-Owl was calling from there as well. A Great Horned Owl was heard in count week.
COUNT WEEK BIRDS
Seven Count Week birds added to bring our total bird species count to 101. Great Horned Owl and California Gull were reported by EAS members, and Northern Harrier, Northern Shrike, Canada Jay, Short-eared Owl, and Peregrine Falcon were posted on eBird from within our count circle.
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED
The Christmas Bird Count is in its 123rd year and has provided an immense amount of data for researchers who track the presence and abundance of bird species. The history of the CBC is a long one. Begun in the year 1900, the CBC now includes over 2,100 count circles in 20 countries in North and South America. The annual count of birds by volunteer birders is a fun and rewarding event that gathers data on birds. We are grateful for those who participated and look forward to new birders joining the count next year.
Watch the EAS website for a new Story Map which will tell more of the story in photos and videos of teams in the field counting birds.