GACL circle
The 119th Christmas Bird Count season brought with it the twelfth annual Carters Lake CBC. It was conducted on January 3rd, 2019. Twenty-five volunteer birders traveled a combined 546.35 miles and reported a total of 23,558 individual birds. There was a combined total of 83.5 party hours in the field.
WEATHER
Weather plays one of the most major roles in any kind of field work. Our bird count has had a few instances were wind, freezing temperatures and precipitation has significantly impacted our survey efforts as well as the behavior of the birds. This year, our day started with some light rain that lasted until around 10am. The sky remained overcast throughout the day. Wind was not an issue this year. Areas with very little trees such as Fite Bend always experience more wind than other parts of the circle. Velocities stayed below 5mph, in most areas. Temperatures were mild with 47° for a low and 54° for the high. Overall, it was decent conditions with the only obstacle being the early precipitation. Rainfall in the circle had been consistent leading up to the count. Many area rivers and tributaries had flooded within days prior to the count. This resulted in some flooded fields, swelled ponds, etc. though much of the water had drained by count day.
Weather plays one of the most major roles in any kind of field work. Our bird count has had a few instances were wind, freezing temperatures and precipitation has significantly impacted our survey efforts as well as the behavior of the birds. This year, our day started with some light rain that lasted until around 10am. The sky remained overcast throughout the day. Wind was not an issue this year. Areas with very little trees such as Fite Bend always experience more wind than other parts of the circle. Velocities stayed below 5mph, in most areas. Temperatures were mild with 47° for a low and 54° for the high. Overall, it was decent conditions with the only obstacle being the early precipitation. Rainfall in the circle had been consistent leading up to the count. Many area rivers and tributaries had flooded within days prior to the count. This resulted in some flooded fields, swelled ponds, etc. though much of the water had drained by count day.
TEAMS/PARTICIPANTS
A Christmas Bird Count circle is fifteen miles in diameter(see map above). The area within is separated into sections and assigned to teams to be covered during a 24 hour
period. The surveying effort is conducted mostly by roadside, though there are a number of agencies and private land owners who give us access to properties. Below is the
list of this year's teams in alphabetical order, beginning with the team's leader.
Team 1 - Carters Lake - Bill Lotz, Bob HendersonTeam 2 - Coosawattee WMA - Charlie Muise, Tracey Muise, Allan MuiseTeam 3 - Dews Pond - Chris Lambrecht, Bob BabcockTeam 4 - Fite Bend - (morning & evening) Rich Hull, Paul Hutto, Sandy Pangle,George Parsley
Team 5 - Mashburn Pond -(morning) Joshua Spence, Larry StephensTeam 6 - New Echota - (afternoon) S. Pangle, G. ParsleyTeam 7 - Nickelsville - (afternoon) R. Hull, Paul HuttoTeam 8 - Holly Creek Marsh - (mid-day) J. Spence, L. StephensTeam 9 - Pine Chapel - Dan Vickers, Patrick Maurice, Angus Pritchard, Ewan PritchardTeam 10 - Salacoa Creek / Ranger - Joel McNeal, Malcolm Hodges, Brandy RogersTeam 11 - Taylortown - Ann Stewart, Shawn Reed, Richard WhiteTeam 12 - Late Owling Effort - J. Spence, Theresa Spence, Seth Spence
(8:00 pm-10:30pm)
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
There was a total of 106 species reported on count day, which was our second highest tally ever.
Annual birds marked with an asterisk(*).CANADA GOOSE numbers were below average for the fifth year in a row. Nine teams reported a total of 187 birds. Though they were consistent throughout the circle, there were no huge gaggles observed. Teams 3 & 11 reported the majority with 46 and 51 along their respected routes.*Four teams reported a total of 16 WOOD DUCKS. This is well below the average of 36. Teams 4 found the majority of these(6), while Teams 5,10 and 11 shared the remainder. As we've learned in the past, the most probable explanation for a lower count this year is due to the recent flooding. These conditions create more suitable habitat for this species, such as flooded forest and gives them more options to hide. Many of these locations are inaccessible to the surveyors. Still, the overall statewide totals suggest that this species is experiencing a decline! *
Team 4 reported the only NORTHERN SHOVELERS of the day with a total of two birds at Fite Bend. The average is eleven.GADWALL, one of our annual ducks on the count, was observed in above average numbers, 105 in all. Teams 4, ,5 and 8 shared these. *Only one AMERICAN WIGEON this time. This bird was reported by Team 5 from a Conasauga wetland. This species is not a common wintering bird within the circle. This is only the seventh time that it has been observed on count day. The average is less than three birds.45 MALLARDS were reported, which is the lowest number in eleven years, and only one bird above the all-time low count(44 in the 108th season). These were reported from five sections, with the highest concentration being found by Team 10(17 birds).*
Northern Pintail made its seventh appearance on the count(5 count-day & 2 count-week) with four being reported from Fite Bend by Team 4. This species was absent from the other north Georgia CBC circles this season.Team 5 observed the only GREEN-WINGED TEAL of the day. Eleven in all, which was slightly higher than the average of 8.RING-NECKED DUCK is our only annual diving duck. Twenty were reported this year, which is below average. Teams 4 and 9 split these evenly. *GREATER SCAUP made its fourth appearance on the count(3 count-day & 1 count week). Reports came in from two separate routes. Team 4 observed one at Fite Bend while Team 9 observed two in the Pine Chapel section. Three in all, which is our highest for this species and consequently, the only ones reported from the north Georgia circles this season.
Team 4 also counted two LESSER SCAUP at Fite Bend. Oddly, this is a high count for this common diving duck! This is only the fourth time that any have been observed on count day. There are also four count-week records.
Another regularly occurring species that rarely makes a count-day appearance is the BUFFLEHEAD. Team 9 reported three from the Pine Chapel route. This is only the third time that this duck has graced us on count day. There are also four count-week records.
Hooded Merganser ~ Allan MuiseAfter last year's decent showing, HOODED MERGANSER was back down again. Only three birds were counted. These were located along the Coosawattee route by Team 2. This species had an overall low statewide count this year. *
Thirty-three WILD TURKEY were submitted this season. This is slightly above the average of twenty-seven. The majority of these(28) were found along the Coosawattee route. Teams 1 and 3 shared the remainder.*For the fifth consecutive year, PIED-BILLED GREBES have been found in single digits. Five birds were shared among three teams. Team 1 had the largest concentration of three at Carters Lake, while Teams 9 & 10 shared the other two. The average for our only annual grebe is eleven. This species also had a very low statewide total this season.*
The total of 99 ROCK PIGEONS reported this year is below the average of 210. Consequently, it is the third lowest showing for this non-native dove. The lower number may be the result of nuisance control at area farms. Most were reported by Team 1 (34) and Team 4 (43). *The only EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE of the day was found along the Pine Chapel route by Team 9.
MOURNING DOVES were in good numbers this time around. A total of 267 individuals were reported from all sections combined. The highest concentration of these were at the Fite Bend fields (Team 4). *VIRGINIA RAIL (2) & SORA (3) were both heard at their annual site, the Holly Creek marsh(Team 8).Countday conditions were not suitable for SANDHILL CRANE passage, and local crop fields failed to retain any large flocks. Teams 4 and 9 both reported a group of ten, which we concluded were the same birds changing sites throughout the day. Team 11 had a single bird. Eleven is the total for this season. This is quite a bit less than the average of 762! This is not the record low, but the second lowest. *KILLDEER were observed in decent, though below average numbers. 161 were reported from eight routes. Team 4 found 129 of these at the Fite Bend fields.*
Participants returned this season to make a special effort to strategically survey for the AMERICAN WOODCOCK in scouted areas. Six teams(both dawn & dusk) reported a total of 69 individuals which establishes a new high count for the circle, and probably a new statewide count! Team 2 tallied the highest concentrations with 33 birds from the Coosawattee WMA. This CBC garners some of the highest statewide totals for this secretive bird. This is a product of excellent habitat and effort from our teams. If it were not for its crepuscular calls and courtship displays, this species would not be annual on the count. *Team 10 found the only DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT of the day at Salacoa Creek Park. This species has only been missed once over the last twelve years, but its average is only two.
18 WILSON'S SNIPE were reported from two sections. Team 9 observed 17 along the Pine Chapel route and Team 10 had a single bird. Even though this year's total is a decent number, it is below the average of 58.GREAT BLUE HERONS were found in great numbers again this year. This species was reported from every section of the circle, thirty-two in all. Team 10 reported the highest concentration of these with a total of eight.*Though 56 BLACK VULTURES is below average for this circle, it is still a strong representation of this species for the region. Team 11 reported the majority of these(20) from the Taylortown section.*TURKEY VULTURES were again reported in lower numbers than expected. This year's total was only three higher than last year's low count, 126 in all. The last three years have produced the following: 128/123/126. Very consistent! Teams 2(34) and 10(46) reported the majority.*NORTHERN HARRIER was found in six sections this time around, with a total of ten birds. This is only two less than the record high count of 12. Team 4 had the highest concentration of these at Fite Bend. This site has hosted this species every winter over the last twelve years except for one.SHARP-SHINNED HAWK established a new record high with six total birds being shared between five sections. Teams 2, 3, 4 and 10 finding singles, but Team 9 leading the way with two birds observed. This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state.There were only four COOPER'S HAWKS reported this season. Teams 2, 3, 9 and 10 all reported singles. This is below average for this annual accipiter.*It was another great year for BALD EAGLES. Four teams observed six individuals. Teams 1, 9 & 10 reported singles, while three eagles were observed at Fite Bend. This is the second best count for this species, the record high is seven which was established during the 116th season.RED-SHOULDERED HAWK(49) was observed in above average numbers and were reported from every section. Highest concentrations were from the Coosawattee(10), Pine Chapel(11) and Taylortown(8) routes.This count was had the highest found on any circle in the state this year. *
Red-tailed Hawk with prey ~ Allan Muise
RED-TAILED HAWK was observed in below average numbers at 35 and wasn't even found on a few routes. Highest concentrations came from Team 9 and Team 11 with eight birds each. There was a dark morph Western subspecies observed briefly at Fite Bend, which is a first for the count.*Team 12 observed a BARN OWL in the evening which was the last species added for the day. This is the sixth time that this species has been tallied on count day. There is also one count week record. This was the only individual reported from north Georgia circles.
EASTERN SCREECH OWLS were found in below average numbers this year, two in all (Teams 1 & 12). *
BARRED OWL set a new high count with nine birds being reported from five sections. Team 5 reported four of these. This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state.An average number of twelve BELTED KINGFISHERS were reported from seven teams. Team 10 reported four of these.*YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER set a new record high count with 41 birds. This is only two more than the former high that was set five years earlier. Team 10 reported ten of these from the Salacoa/Ranger routes.*Red-headed Woodpcker ~ Allan MuiseNine teams reported 42 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS which set a new high count by fifteen individuals! Teams 9 and 10 tallied the highest number of these with eleven birds each. *
This year's count of 95 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS was below the average of 98. Team 10 reported the highest concentration of these, 19 in all.*58 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were observed this year, which is above the average of 46. Teams 2 and 10 reported the highest counts with 14 & 15.*HAIRY WOODPECKERS were found in the highest number since the count's inception. Seven teams reported a total of twenty-two birds! This was four more than the former high count of 18 that was established ten years before during the 109th CBC season. This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state! *
The 21 PILEATED WOODPECKERS were slightly above average. These were reported from nine sections, with Team 10 leading the way with seven individuals .*This year's 100 NORTHERN FLICKERS set a new high count by only one bird! Highest numbers came from Team 2(20), Team 10(18) and Team 11(17). This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state. *This year's 30 AMERICAN KESTRELS were two more than the prior high count that was set eight years before during the 111th CBC season. These were tallied among eight sections. Team 11 reported the highest number of these along the Taylortown route, eight in all. This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state.*Team 1 enjoyed excellent views of a PEREGRINE FALCON along the Carters Lake route. This is only the second time that this species has made an appearance on the count. The first was four years earlier. There are very few winter records for this falcon in north Georgia, so this is a nice addition to the circle's database.EASTERN PHOEBES were observed in decent numbers again this season. 68 birds were reported from ten sections. Team 2(10) and Team 10(14) reported the highest numbers of individuals.
Loggerhead Shrike ~ Paul Hutto Three LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were observed this year, which is the most that have been reported on count day in seven years. Teams 3, 7 and 9 tallied these. These were the only individuals reported from the north Georgia circles. *
White-eyed Vireo ~ Daniel Vickers
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was observed along the Pine Chapel route by Team 9. This is the second time that this species has been observed on the count. The first time was five years ago. This appears to be only the fourth documented winter record for this species in north Georgia. This includes an individual reported from the Floyd County CBC a few days earlier.Teams 8 and 10 both reported BLUE-HEADED VIREO. This is the fifth time that this species has been observed on the count, and the first time that we have tallied more than one bird.
This year's total of 296 BLUE JAYS is above average. Team 2 reported the highest number of these from the Coosawattee route, 59 in all. This total was also the most found on any circle in the state. *AMERICAN CROW actually came in at the lowest numbers since the count's inception, though this was only by TWO birds! This year's 391 broke the low count that was set four years earlier. This species actually experienced very low numbers statewide.....in fact, the Carters Lake CBC tallied the highest number than any other circle in the state! Let that sink in.......our lowest count was the state's highest count! This species was almost nonexistent in many circles. This is unsettling for our most prevalent corvid.*Opposite of last year's high showing of 64 FISH CROWS, this season brought a number that is much closer to what is expected for this circle.....six. Team 1 had a single bird at Carters Lake while Team 10 had five birds at Salacoa.As usual, HORNED LARK was found in very small numbers, and as usual, they were found at the Fite Bend fields. Team 4 located two birds while walking the crop fields. This is the sixth time that this species has made a count day appearance. They have also been observed for count week on two occasions.CAROLINA CHICKADEES were observed in slightly below average numbers, 135 in all. The average is 175.*TUFTED TITMOUSE was found in the lowest numbers since the count's beginning. This year's total of 77 broke a record low that was set during the first year of the count eleven years ago. That record was 88, so this year's number was eleven birds less.*
Teams 6 and 10 observed the only RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES of the day. This being an irruption year, we expected more, but these two birds tie with our current high count for this circle. This is their eighth appearance on the count.WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (34 total) were observed in slightly higher numbers this go around. The average is 28. *BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES (50 total) were found in below average numbers. The average is 61. Team 2 reported 25 from the Coosawattee section. *The three BROWN CREEPERS reported tied the record low that was established nine years ago during the 110th CBC season. Team 10 observed two of these and Team 9 added the other. *HOUSE WRENS were observed in good numbers for this circle. Thirteen were reported from five sections. This is the second highest tally since the count's inception. The average is six.WINTER WRENS were also found in high numbers. A total of 30 were reported from six teams. This topped the former record high of 28, which was established five years prior to this season. The average is 15. Team 10 led the way with nine birds observed along the Salacoa/Ranger route. This high count was also the most found on any circle in the state this year.*
SEDGE WRENS made their sixth appearance on the count. Three birds were observed by two teams. Teams 2 observed two and Team 10 found the other. This ties last year's total, which is the high-count for this secretive wren. These were the only reported from the north Georgia circles this season.CAROLINA WRENS were found in slightly above average numbers at 178 individuals. *This year's 105 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were also slightly above the average of 99. Team 10 reported the highest number of these from the Salacoa/Ranger section, 46. This count was also the most found on any circle in the state. *RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were also reported in slightly above average numbers, 102 in all. Team 2 had the highest concentration at 26 birds. *This count has produced some really high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and this year's 213 is a great total, but is still lower than the average of 283. *
Hermit Thrush ~ Allan Muise
HERMIT THRUSH was found in below average numbers. This year's 23 birds is the third lowest tally since the beginning of the count. These were reported from eight sections. Team 10 reported the highest concentration of eight individuals. *
After last year's low number of AMERICAN ROBINS, this year produced the highest tally thus far. All teams reported flocks, with several reporting in triple digits. The new record high count is 2490! This is 767 more birds than the former record that was established six years ago. Teams 4 and 9 found the highest concentrations with totals of 550 & 675. *Team 3 observed a GRAY CATBIRD in the Dews Pond section. This is only the fourth time that this species has been located on this count.BROWN THRASHERS were found in slightly below average numbers this time. A total of 26 birds were reported from seven sections, with Team 11 reporting the highest concentration of 8 along the Taylortown route.*The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD also came in at below average numbers this season. This year's 107 birds is the fifth lowest since the count's inception. Team 9 found the highest concentration of these along the Pine Chapel route, 19 in all.*1349 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported. The average is 2470.*There were 23 AMERICAN PIPITS reported this year, which is the lowest total in six years and the third lowest tally since the beginning of the count. The average is 61. The majority(20) were reported from the Fite Bend fields by Team 4. Teams 10 and 11 found the other three. *CEDAR WAXWINGS were nearly MIA this year. Only 152 birds were reported from eight sections. This is the third lowest total for this species since the count's beginning. The largest concentration of 84 birds were observed along the Pine Chapel route . *
The 46 HOUSE FINCHES that were reported were above average. Team 11 reported the highest concentration of these with 18 birds. *
This year's low showing of only three PURPLE FINCHES was the same number reported last year. Team 10 found two and the other was a visitor at the compiler's feeder.
RED CROSSBILL made its first appearance on the Carters Lake count this season. Team 8 observed three birds near the Holly Creek Marsh. This species is considered a rare visitor to north Georgia with breeding taking place sporadically throughout the Blue Ridge ecoregion. It is a species that was somewhat expected to show up in this circle at some point, but due to its rarity and behavior, it could have easily never been added to our list. Georgia CBC records appear to be restricted to counts located at higher altitudes. This species is semi annual just north on the Chattahoochee National Forest CBC, which is approximately eight miles from the CL circle. It has been observed 23 of the last 38 counts there. Other GA counts that have reported them include Amicalola Falls and Blue Ridge. Surprisingly, these three birds were the only reported for the count period this year in the entire state of Georgia.
Only seven PINE SISKINS this time. Team 10 located six while Team 7 found the other.
After last year's high count of 255 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES this season brought lower numbers. Only 102 were reported from eleven sections. *
CHIPPING SPARROWS were reported in above average numbers at 512. This is the fourth highest total. Team 2 led the way again with 175 birds. Team 10 also reported in the triple digits at 112 individuals. *After two consecutive years of low totals of FIELD SPARROW, numbers were above average in the triple digits. 148 birds were reported from ten sections. Team 9 had the highest total at 37 with Team 2 following closely behind with 36.*FOX SPARROWS were terribly low this season. Only six individuals were reported from five separate teams. This is the second lowest count for this species which is consequently the least we've tallied in ten years. It is a low year for them, but some habitat loss along the Coosawattee route appears to have also negatively impacted our results. *This is the third consecutive year that DARK-EYED JUNCO failed to reach triple digits and actually dipped so much to establish another low count for the circle. Only 31 individuals were reported from seven sections. The average is 110. * WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were found in below average numbers, 37 in all. These birds were shared among four sections. Teams 9 and 10 reported twelve apiece. The average is 46.*White-throated Sparrow ~ Allan MuiseThis year's 226 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were well below the average of 318. Leading the way was Team 2 with 63 reported individuals.*This year's total of thirteen VESPER SPARROWS was the highest tally for this species in nine years. Team 2(5), Team 4(6) and Team 9(2) found these.*SAVANNAH SPARROW numbers were average this go around. The Fite Bend fields produced the highest yield again with 75 birds reported. Nine teams had a total of 168. *Song Sparrow ~ Allan MuiseSONG SPARROW (299) numbers were below the average of 350.*SWAMP SPARROW (131) came in with above average numbers in the fourth best showing since the count's beginning.*EASTERN TOWHEES were also reported in above average numbers, 133 in all. *EASTERN MEADOWLARK numbers were dismal and established a new low count for this species. The 51 birds reported this season broke an eleven year old record that was established during this circle's initial count. That record set during the 108th CBC season was 84. * RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD came in at 5,757 individuals, which is above average. Nine teams reported this species with the largest flocks being observed on the Taylortown route, 2350 in all.* BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were reported in high numbers at 719 individuals. This establishes a new high count for this species. Team 11 observed large groups of these along the Taylortown route, where they had at least 500.62 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were reported this year. Four teams tallied these, with Team 6 observing the majority(40) at the New Echota Historic Site. This is above the average of 51.
BREWER'S BLACKBIRD made its fourth count day appearance with two reported birds. Teams 4 and 5 had singles.After last year's pitiful showing of only 202 COMMON GRACKLES, this year was much better with a total of 5001 birds being reported from nine teams.This is still quite a bit less than the average of 18,484, which is obviously the highest average of any species on the count. Teams 3 & 4 had the largest groups reporting 1500 and 2000 birds from their sections. *Team 9 found three ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS in the Pine Chapel section. This is the fifth time that this species has made an appearance on the count and the highest number of individuals reported.
There were also three COMMON YELLOWTHROATS reported this year. Team 3 observed two and Team 10 had the other. This is the fifth time that this species has been observed on the count.American Redstart ~ Angus Pritchard The most surprising find of the day was an AMERICAN REDSTART that was observed and photographed by Team 9 near the Coosawattee River. This rarity represents one of the few documented wintering GA records, in which it appears to be the 14th for the state. Apparently, there are nine prior CBC records, most occurring during the last eighteen years and mostly from south of the Fall Line. This is the only known winter record for the mountain region of Georgia! Ironically, there was another individual observed from the Savannah CBC a few days after this one.
Four teams reported a total of 17 PALM WARBLERS. This is the third highest total for this species. Both Teams 2 and 9 reported seven birds each.*This year's 40 PINE WARBLERS established a new high count, beating out last year's 37. These were reported from eight sections. Teams 2 and 10 reported the highest numbers at 12 and 13. *Only 75 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were reported this time around, which is the fourth lowest total. The average is 113. The highest concentration of birds were found at the New Echota Historic Site again where Team 6 counted at least 40 birds. * The 231 NORTHERN CARDINALS observed this year were slightly below average.*28 HOUSE SPARROWS were submitted this season. This is average for this non-native species.*COUNT WEEKSix species were reported during count-week. Count-week is defined asthree days prior and three days after the actual count day. During these six days,species that were not observed on count day can be reported to the NAS as presentwithin the circle.
Ross's Goose - Owens Gin Rd. - 1/01/2019 ~ Georgia's 8th CBC record.Canvasback - Fite Bend - 1/01/2019Redhead - Fite Bend - 1/01/2019Common Goldeneye - Fite Bend - 1/01/2019Common Loon - Carters Lake - 1/01/2019Horned Grebe - Caters Lake - 1/01/2019The Carter's Lake CBC is located in the ridge & valley province of north GA. The fifteen mile diameter circle covers portions of southern Murray County and northeastern Gordon County. The Christmas Bird Count is a winter bird survey that stands as the longest running wildlife census. It is conducted by volunteers. The National Audubon Society has promoted the census for decades. The society and others use the data to determine the health of wild bird populations.For more information:
