leucistic Sandhill Crane ~ Dan Vickers
The 120th Christmas Bird Count season brought with it the thirteenth annual Carters Lake CBC. It was conducted on January 4th, 2020. Twenty-nine volunteer birders traveled a combined 535.2 miles and reported a total of 9,688 individual birds. There was a combined total of 87.25 party hours spent in the field.
WEATHER
This year's weather was the most challenging that we've faced since the count's inception. We experienced rain in the morning hours, high winds throughout most of the day and periods of sleet in the evening. This was somewhat problematic at times for our survey teams, but they endured the hindrance to collect valuable data that will be useful in determining wild bird population trends.
The temperatures were mild, but ironically the warmest temps that we had were before sunrise. Our predawn survey teams recorded temps as high as 55° while searching for owls. From that point onward, the temps continued to drop throughout the day until we ended with 40° at sunset. Wind velocities reached about 19 mph at some locations. Fortunately, there were periods of sunshine during the afternoon. Prior to the count there was significant rainfall that threatened to flood area creeks and rivers. The flooding was minor and only a few routes were impacted.
This year's weather was the most challenging that we've faced since the count's inception. We experienced rain in the morning hours, high winds throughout most of the day and periods of sleet in the evening. This was somewhat problematic at times for our survey teams, but they endured the hindrance to collect valuable data that will be useful in determining wild bird population trends.
The temperatures were mild, but ironically the warmest temps that we had were before sunrise. Our predawn survey teams recorded temps as high as 55° while searching for owls. From that point onward, the temps continued to drop throughout the day until we ended with 40° at sunset. Wind velocities reached about 19 mph at some locations. Fortunately, there were periods of sunshine during the afternoon. Prior to the count there was significant rainfall that threatened to flood area creeks and rivers. The flooding was minor and only a few routes were impacted.
TEAMS/PARTICIPANTS
A Christmas Bird Count circle is fifteen miles in diameter(see map below). 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 - Bob Babcock , Gary Cottrell, Chris PielaTeam 4 - Fite Bend - Rich Hull, Yvonne Bombardier, Sandy Pangle, Georgann Schmalz
Team 5 - Talking Rock Creek -(morning) Joshua SpenceTeam 6 - New Echota/Mashburn Pond - Johnnie Greene, Max Medley, George Parsley, Larry Stephens, Keith SullivanTeam 7 - Nickelsville - R. Hull, Y. Bombardier, G. Schmalz, (Duncan Beard)Team 8 - Holly Creek Marsh - J. Spence, Theresa Spence, Seth SpenceTeam 9 - Pine Chapel - Dan Vickers, Kris Bisgard, Bob ZarembaTeam 10 - Salacoa Creek / Ranger - Joel McNeal, Brandy RogersTeam 11 - Taylortown - Stephen Stewart, Ann Stewart, Richard WhiteTeam 12 - Early Owling Effort - J. Spence
(2:15 am-7:15am)
GACL circle
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
There was a total of 95 species reported on count day. Our average is 100.
Annual birds marked with an asterisk(*).
After five years with below average results, CANADA GOOSE numbers came in with the third highest since the count's inception. Nine teams reported a total of 368 individuals. Teams 4, 6 and 8 reported the largest gaggles for the day. *A solid white goose species(Chen sp.) was observed at the Fite Bend fields by Team 4. Before the bird could be accurately identified, it was suddenly shot by an unseen hunter!Three teams found WOOD DUCKS along their respected routes. We also received reports from local duck hunters that helped supplement our results. An average total of 35 birds were reported. *
GADWALL, one of our annual ducks, was observed in below average numbers, 62 in all. The majority of these were reported by local duck hunters. *Only two AMERICAN WIGEON this time. Teams 1 and 8 reported singles. This species is not a common wintering bird within the circle. This is the eighth time that it has been observed on count day. This is average for this duck.After a two year absence, a single AMERICAN BLACK DUCK was reported from the Holly Creek Marsh. This site has hosted this species in the past. This duck is rare for the circle and this is only the sixth count day occurrence.
52 MALLARDS were reported, which is below average for this count's most common duck.*The only GREEN-WINGED TEAL of the day was reported from the Holly Creek Marsh. The average for this small duck is only eight.RING-NECKED DUCK is our only annual diving duck. Four were reported this year, which is well below the average of 73. These were reported from local wetlands. *
A regularly occurring species that rarely makes a count-day appearance is the BUFFLEHEAD. Team 2 reported four from the Coosawattee route. This is only the fourth time that this duck has graced us on count day. There are also four count-week records.
After last year's low showing, HOODED MERGANSER was back in the double digits. Eleven birds were reported from four routes by teams 1, 3 , 5 and 8. The average is 16. *
WILD TURKEY established a new high count this season. 87 birds were reported from three sections. Teams 5, 6 and 8 shared these. This broke a record of 74 that was set eight years ago during the 112th CBC.*For the sixth consecutive year, PIED-BILLED GREBES have been found in single digits. Two birds were shared among teams 1 and 10. Consequently, this established a new low count for our only annual grebe. *
The total of 122 ROCK PIGEONS reported this year is below the average of 200. This is the fourth lowest showing for this non-native dove. The lower number may be the result of nuisance control. Most were reported by Team 4 (113) from the Fite Bend farm fields. *Team 3 reported the only EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES of the day. They found 21 birds along the Dews Pond route. This is the highest number in eight years and the third highest total.
MOURNING DOVES were in good numbers this time around. A total of 330 individuals were reported from all sections combined. This is the third highest total since the count's beginning. *VIRGINIA RAIL (4) & SORA (1) 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 large foraging flocks. Teams 2,3,and 4 found small groups, while Team 9 reported the largest of the day with 105 birds. A special treat was finding and photographing a rare leucistic individual(pictured above). This was the rarest bird for the day. 121 is the total for this season. This is quite a bit less than the average of 700! *KILLDEER were observed in high numbers this go around! 694 were reported from eight routes. As usual, Team 4 found the highest concentration of these at the Fite Bend fields (535). This is the highest total in eight years and comes in second to our record high of 730.*
AMERICAN WOODCOCK was slightly below average this year. Three teams reported a total of 19 individuals. Most were reported by Team 2 from the Coosawattee WMA. Teams 1 and 11 also added a few birds. This year's lower totals were most likely a result of the poor weather conditions.*
16 WILSON'S SNIPE were reported from the Fite Bend fields by Team 4. Even though this year's total is a decent number, it is below the average of 54.
Team 1 found the only DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT of the day at the Carters Lake reregulation pool. This species has only been missed once over the last thirteen years, but its average is only two.GREAT BLUE HERONS were found in slightly below average numbers. In fact, the total of 20 reported birds is only two above the all time low. Teams 3 and 9 reported the most.*BLACK VULTURE numbers were the highest in ten years and the first time that they have hit triple digits in nine years. Eight teams reported a total of 177 birds. Again, Team 11 reported the highest concentrations of this species(40) from the Taylortown route. Teams 2(35) and 3(32) had good numbers also. *TURKEY VULTURES were also reported in high numbers. This year's total of 311 was only four less than the record high. Team 10 reported the highest concentration of these(76) from the Salacoa Creek section, but teams 1(44) , 2(55) and 3(58) also reported good totals.*NORTHERN HARRIER was found in five sections this time around, with a total of seven birds. This is slightly above average. Team 2 had three of these along the Coosawattee route.SHARP-SHINNED HAWK came in at three birds. Teams 3, 6 and 11 reported singles.There were ten COOPER'S HAWKS reported this season, which is the highest total in nine years and only one bird less than the record high. These were reported from eight routes, teams 1 and 6 reporting doubles.*It was another great year for BALD EAGLES. Three teams reported a total of five individuals. Teams 6 and 9 had singles, while three eagles were observed by team 10 along the Salacoa Creek route. Times of observation, plumages and locations were used to ensure no double-counting took place.RED-SHOULDERED HAWK(34) was observed in slightly above average numbers and were reported from nine sections. Highest concentrations were from the Taylortown route by team 11, ten in all.*
RED-TAILED HAWK was observed in above average numbers at 50 birds. This is the third highest total for the count. As usual the highest concentrations came from Team 9 from the Pine Chapel section. *
EASTERN SCREECH OWLS were found in below average numbers this year, three in all (Teams 1 & 12). *After missing GREAT HORNED OWL last year, it was a relief to find two this year(Teams 9 &12).
BARRED OWL had another great year with seven birds being reported. This is two less than last year's high count of nine. Teams 2, 6 and 12 shared these.BELTED KINGFISHERS were reported in slightly below average numbers. Five teams reported a total on nine birds. Team 11 reported three of these.*After establishing a new high count last season YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER totaled below average with 23 individuals. Team 2 reported six of these.*RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were in very low numbers which is most likely a product of the poor weather conditions. Only four individuals were reported from Teams 6, 8 and 9. *
This year's count of 79 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS was below the average of 97 and established the second lowest total for the count. Team 9 reported the highest concentration of these, 18 in all.*50 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were observed this year, which is slightly above the average of 47. Team 2 reported the highest count with 14 birds.*HAIRY WOODPECKERS were found in good numbers again this year, coming in with a total of 16 birds. This is the third highest total since the count's inception. Six teams reported this species with team 2 reporting five of these. *
The 18 PILEATED WOODPECKERS were slightly below average. These were reported from eight sections, with Team 1 leading the way with five individuals .*This year's 64 NORTHERN FLICKERS is an average total. Team 9 reported the highest number with 13 birds. *After establishing a new high count last season, AMERICAN KESTREL did the opposite this year. Only eleven birds were reported from six routes! This is four less than the prior low count that was set five years ago during the 115th CBC season.*
Team 9 reported a MERLIN from the Pine Chapel section. This is the seventh count day showing for this small falcon.
Team 4 enjoyed excellent views of a PEREGRINE FALCON at Fite Bend, where they observed it eating its prey. This is only the third time that this species has made an appearance on the count. The first was five years earlier and then again last season. 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 good numbers again this season. 74 birds were reported from nine sections. Team 2(13) and Team 10(11) reported the highest number of individuals. This established the second highest total for this species.*
Five LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were reported this year, which is the most that have been observed on count day in eleven years. Team 9 reported four from the Pine Chapel route, while team 7 had a single bird from the Nickelsville section. *
Two teams(3 & 2) reported a total of three BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, which is the most we've ever tallied on this count. This is the sixth time that this species has been observed, and the second time that we have had more than one bird.
This year's total of 162 BLUE JAYS was well below the average of 288! This was the lowest total in nine years and established the fourth lowest count. Team 11 reported the highest number of these from the Taylortown route, 39 in all. *AMERICAN CROW, for the second year in a row has established a new low count for the circle. The total of 375 birds is 16 individuals less than last year's 391. The largest murders found this season were along the Coosawattee route where team 2 reported a total of 135.*FISH CROWS were slightly higher than usual with a total of 15 birds reported. These were reported from five different sections, which is unusual for this species. It usually only shows up at one or two locations. Teams 1,2,9,10 and 11 shared these. This is the ninth time that this species has made an appearance on count day.As usual, HORNED LARK was found in very small numbers, and as usual, it was found at the Fite Bend fields. Team 4 located only one bird this season. This is the seventh 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 record numbers this year! The 243 reported birds beat the former record by only three individuals! The former high count was established eight years ago during the 112th CBC season. Team 2 reported a whopping 74 of these!*After establishing a low count last season, theTUFTED TITMOUSE was back in triple digits this time. A total of 102 birds were reported from all sections. This is still below the average of 121, but closer to where we expect them to be. Team 3 reported 22 of these. *
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (26 total) were observed in slightly lower numbers this go around. The average is 28. *BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES (68 total) were found in above average numbers. Again, Team 2 reported the majority (33) from the Coosawattee section. *BROWN CREEPERS were found in average numbers this year. Five in all, four of which were observed by team 10 in the Salacoa Creek section. Team 2 reported the fifth one. *HOUSE WRENS were observed in below average numbers. Only two were reported this year. Teams 1 and 2 had single birds.WINTER WRENS were also below average. Thirteen birds were reported from six different sections.*
CAROLINA WRENS were found in slightly above average numbers at 180 individuals. *
This year's 97 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were slightly below the average of 99. Again, Team 10 reported the highest number of these from the Salacoa Creek section, 62! *RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported in above average numbers, 129 in all. This is the third highest total since the count began. Team 2 had the highest concentration with 32 birds.*This count has produced some very high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and this year was better than usual. Every team submitted large counts from their routes for a total of 381 birds. This is the highest total in nine years and comes in second to the record high of 417 that was established during the 111th CBC season. Oddly, the three times that we have broken the 350 mark has been on days where the weather has been plagued by wind and/or heavy rain. Team 2 led the way this year with 101 birds!*
HERMIT THRUSH was well below average this season. This year's 15 birds is the third lowest tally since the beginning of the count. Consequently, this was the lowest total in eleven years! These were reported from eight sections. Team 2 reported the highest total of five individuals.*After last year's record high for AMERICAN ROBIN, this year produced the second lowest tally. Seven teams reported a total of 147 birds. This isn't too surprising since the lack of frigid temperatures up north resulted in fewer flocks being pushed south.*BROWN THRASHERS were also found in low numbers this time. A total of 17 birds were reported from eight sections, with Team 11 reporting the highest concentration of 4 along the Taylortown route.*NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD fell below triple digits for the first time in eleven years! This year's 88 birds is the third lowest since the count's inception. *728 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported. The average is 2376. This is the fourth lowest total since the count was registered.*There were 5 AMERICAN PIPITS reported this year, which breaks the previous record low established eight years before. These were reported from the Fite Bend fields. *CEDAR WAXWINGS were found in better numbers than expected, but still slightly below the average . There was a total of 432 reported from six routes. Team 5 found at least 206 of these.*
Seven teams reported a total of 32 HOUSE FINCHES which is slightly above average. *
Team 1 found the only PINE SISKIN of the day from the Carters Lake section.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH came in with a total of 165 birds which is slightly below the annual average. Team 5 observed at least 65 along the Talking Rock Creek route.*
Even though CHIPPING SPARROWS were reported in below average numbers, they still had a great showing at 446. This is the fifth highest total for this common little sparrow. Team 2 led the way again with 156 birds. Team 10 also reported in the triple digits at 114.*FIELD SPARROW numbers were slightly below average. 123 birds were reported from eight sections. Team 3 had the highest total at 33. *After a dismal count for FOX SPARROWS last season, it was nice to find them in great numbers again. 38 was the total. As usual, team 2 found the majority(34) in the Coosawattee WMA. Teams 4 and 8 split the others. *This is the fourth consecutive year that DARK-EYED JUNCO failed to reach triple digits. After last year's record low of 31, we hoped that this season would be different. This year's total of 37 established the second lowest total since the count's inception. Teams 1 and 10 found the majority of these. *
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were found in below average numbers, 20 in all. This is only one bird above the all-time-low. Teams 4(6) and 9(14) were the only teams to observe any. The average is 46.*
This year's 181 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS actually established a new record low for this common species. This beat the former low count by nine birds. The average is 310. Teams 2 and 11 found the highest concentrations along their respected routes.*This year's total of ten VESPER SPARROWS was slightly above average. Teams 2(6 birds) and 4(4 birds) found these.*SAVANNAH SPARROW numbers were terribly low this go around. Only four teams reported them for a total of 86. This is the third lowest total and only twelve birds above the record low. As usual, the Fite Bend fields produced the highest yield with 63 birds reported. The annual average is 167. *SONG SPARROW (191) numbers were below the average of 346. This is only the second time they have fallen under the 200 mark.*SWAMP SPARROW (48) numbers were terribly low this season. This was also the second lowest total for this species.*EASTERN TOWHEES were slightly below average, 123 in all. *After last season's record low for the EASTERN MEADOWLARK we were glad to see them back in the triple digits. An average of 174 birds were reported from eight sections. Team 9 reported 70 of these along the Pine Chapel route. *
Blackbird totals were below average this season.RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD came in at 831 individuals. The annual average is 3161.*
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS had a total of 113 individuals. Team 4 had the majority at the Fite Bend fields.Only seven RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were reported this year. Teams 4 and 10 shared these. . The average is 52.
The biggest shock of all was the pitiful showing of only 63 COMMON GRACKLES!!! The annual average is 17,360, so this is quite a bit less! This is the first time that this species has fallen into the double digits for a record low. *
Two teams reported a total of 6 PALM WARBLERS. This is the third lowest total for this species. Teams 4 and 9 shared these.*PINE WARBLER has established new record highs the last two seasons and this year was no different. This season's total of 56 birds beat last year's record by sixteen individuals. Eight teams contributed, with team 1 leading the way with 20 birds. *
Only 52 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were reported this time around, which is the third lowest total. The average is 110. The highest concentration of birds were found at the New Echota Historic Site again where Team 6 counted at least 22.*
NORTHERN CARDINALS were above average this season. A total of 443 was submitted from all sections. This is the second highest total for one of our most common songbirds. Team 2 lead the way with a huge 145 birds! *
15 HOUSE SPARROWS were submitted this season. This is below average for this non-native species.*
Charlie and Allan counting in the WMA. ~ Tracey MuiseCOUNT WEEKTHREE 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.Common Loon - Carters Lake - 1/06/2020Great Egret - Mashburn Pond - 1/06/2020Ring-billed Gull - Carters Lake - 1/06/2020The 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:
