Wow! What a year 2020 was! Many aspects of our lives were impacted by the worldwide pandemic that has brought the threat of contracting Covid-19 to every doorstep. The Christmas Bird Count was not exempt from these real concerns so precautions had to be taken. The National Audubon Society was proactive in establishing precautions that would keep birders safe while participating in the CBC. Unfortunately, many counts had to be cancelled due to logistics that couldn't guarantee that safety. Fortunately, we were able to conduct the Carters Lake CBC by following the protocol set forth by the NAS. These guidelines are as follows, but aren't limited to:
1. No carpooling with anyone that isn't part of your normal pod of family/friends.
2. Necessary social distancing when/if coming in contact with strangers in the field.
3. No in-person countdown gatherings or compilation parties.
The logistics did make it slightly more difficult for some birders to participate in the count and clearly decreased our overall number of counters this season. We still had twenty-six volunteers to conduct the fourteenth annual Carters Lake CBC. It was held on January 2nd, 2021. Our teams traveled a combined 388 miles and reported a total of 36,117 individual birds. There was a combined total of 82.75 party hours spent in the field.
WEATHER
We were hoping for better conditions after the dismal weather we experienced last season. We got it!
Basically, it was the most pleasant weather to date for the count. Clear sunny skies with only some patches of fog in the morning.
The temperatures were mild, with a high of 64° and a predawn low of 46°. Wind was basically nonexistent. Prior to the count there was some rainfall but nothing too significant.
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 - Bob Henderson, Donna WellsTeam 2 - Coosawattee WMA - Charlie Muise, Tracey Muise, Allan MuiseTeam 3 - Dews Pond - Chris Lambrecht, Bob BabcockTeam 5 - Fite Bend (afternoon) -Bob Zaremba, Deb ZarembaTeam 4 - Fite Bend (morning) - Joshua Spence, Theresa Spence
Team 6 - Holly Creek(afternoon) - Joshua Spence, Theresa Spence, Seth SpenceTeam 7 - New Echota/Mashburn Pond - Johnnie GreeneTeam 8 - Nickelsville - Sandy Pangle, Phil Riner, Duncan BeardTeam 9 - Pine Chapel - Dan Vickers, Kris Bisgard, Patrick Maurice, John Patton MossTeam 10 - Salacoa Creek / Ranger - Joel McNeal, Brandy Rogers, Ryleigh RogersTeam 11 - Taylortown - Stephen Stewart, Ann Stewart, Richard WhiteTeam 12 - Early/Late Owling Effort - J. Spence, T. Spence, S. Spence
GACL circleSPECIES ACCOUNTSThere was a total of 104 species reported on count day. Our average is 100.
Annual birds marked with an asterisk(*).
After last year's decent CANADA GOOSE numbers, we were back with below average results this season. Eight teams reported a total of 229 individuals. Team 9 reported the largest gaggle of the day with 63. *
Five teams found WOOD DUCKS along their respected routes for a total of 87 birds. This was the highest total in six years and the second highest since the count's inception. Most of these(73) were observed by Team 8 at a Conasauga River wetland. *Only two NORTHERN SHOVELERS were reported this season. These were observed by Team 6.
GADWALL, one of our annuals, was observed in the lowest number to date. Only 5! These were shared between Teams 3 & 8. *This year's 31 MALLARDS also established a new low count for our most common marsh duck. Team 8 reported 18 of these. *Team 8 reported a record high count of 56 GREEN-WINGED TEAL from a Conasauga River wetland. This bested the former record high by 26 birds.RING-NECKED DUCK is our only annual diving duck. Eight were reported this year, which is well below the average of 68. These were reported along the New Echota route by Team 7. *HOODED MERGANSERS were also found in below average numbers this season. Only 5 total. These were shared between Teams 3 & 8.Team 9 observed ten RUDDY DUCKS along the Pine Chapel route. This is only the second countday appearance for this species.WILD TURKEY were reported from three sections. Twenty-one birds in all, which is below average. Team 10 observed 12 of these at Salacoa Creek Park. *For the seventh consecutive year, PIED-BILLED GREBES have been found in single digits. Six birds were shared among teams 1, 10 and 11. *
Team 1 observed two HORNED GREBES at Carters Lake. This is slightly below average for this irregular grebe.The total of 86 ROCK PIGEONS reported this year is below the average of 195. This is the second lowest showing for this non-native dove. The lower number may be the result of nuisance control. Most were reported by Team 4 (60) from the Fite Bend farm fields. *Team 5 reported the only EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE of the day. They found a single bird at the Fite Bend farm.MOURNING DOVES were in above average numbers. A total of 279 individuals were reported from all sections combined. Team 11 reported the highest concentration from the Taylortown route(87). *VIRGINIA RAIL (2) & SORA (1) were both heard at their annual site, the Holly Creek marsh(Team 6).It turned out to be ideal conditions for SANDHILL CRANE passage. This species was reported from every section of the circle. Small groups of cranes were observed during the morning hours. The afternoon brought huge flocks moving south, most of which entered the extreme western half of the survey circle. Team 5 observed waves of cranes passing over Fite Bend with an estimated total of 2500 birds! Careful attention was taken to arrive at a safe total so that the likelihood of double-counting between teams wasn't an issue. We compare times of observations, numbers of individuals and bird behavior to arrive at our final figure. 3,585 is our total for this year, which is our second highest total ever. *KILLDEER were observed in high numbers this go around! A total of 555 were reported from seven routes. As usual, Team 4 found the highest concentration of these at the Fite Bend fields (450). This is the third highest tally for this common species .*LEAST SANDPIPER made it's first appearance in six years. Team 5 observed a large group of at least 35 individuals that were flushed by a Merlin flyby at the Fite Bend fields. This is the highest number of this species ever recorded on this count.AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found in high numbers this season. Seven teams reported 58 birds! As usual, most were reported by Team 2 from the Coosawattee WMA(20). This total is our second highest, still eleven birds under the all-time high of 69 that was established two years ago. Our continued success in tallying such high numbers is a result of teams strategically staking out annual timberdoodle sites at dusk and dawn to observe their unique crepuscular courtship displays. *
Only 3 WILSON'S SNIPE were reported this time. These were observed by Team 9 along the Pine Chapel route. This is well below the average of 52.After a four-year countday absence RING-BILLED GULL showed up in high numbers. 25 individuals were observed at the Fite Bend fields by Team 5. This establishes a new high count for this gull.GREAT BLUE HERONS were found in below average numbers. In fact, the total of 19 reported birds is only one above the all time low. Teams 9 reported the highest total(6).*After last year's higher numbers, BLACK VULTURE was back down to below average totals this season. They were observed in all sections with a total of 60 birds reported. Team 2 had the highest concentration with 16 individuals. *TURKEY VULTURES were also reported in below average numbers. A total of 184 was reported from all sections. Team 2 also reported the highest number of these with 52 birds. *Only three NORTHERN HARRIERS were found this time. This is slightly below average. Teams 2, 4 and 11 shared these.SHARP-SHINNED HAWK came in at two birds. Teams 3 and 9 reported singles.There were nine COOPER'S HAWKS reported this season, which is only two birds less than the record high. These were reported from four routes, with Team 3 leading the way with 6.*It was another great year for BALD EAGLES. Three teams reported a total of four individuals. Teams 1 and 9 had singles, while two eagles were observed by team 8 along the Nickelsville route.RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were reported from all sections and consequently established a new high count, 64 birds in all! This broke the old record by eight individuals. Team 11 had the highest concentration along the Taylortown route(15).*
RED-TAILED HAWK was observed in above average numbers at 50 birds. This is the third highest total for the count, and ironically tied last year's total! One individual was a dark morph western subspecies. The highest numbers came from Teams 2(15) and 9(12). *A single BARN OWL was observed by Team 12. This is the eighth count record for this irregular species.EASTERN SCREECH OWLS were found in average numbers this year, five in all (Teams 2, 6, 9 & 10). *BARRED OWL had another great year with fourteen birds being reported. This is five more than the high count that was set only two years ago. Seven teams reported this species with Team 2 leading the way with four.BELTED KINGFISHERS were reported in slightly below average numbers. Five teams reported a total on nine birds. Team 11 reported three of these.*All woodpecker species were reported in above average numbers:RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS came in at 26 birds. Team 9 reporting 10 from the Pine Chapel route. *RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were reported from all routes as usual, 111 in all. Teams 2 and 3 reported the highest numbers with 18 each.*YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS totaled 35 individuals. Teams 9 & 10 reported highest concentrations with 9 birds each.*74 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were observed this year, which is only one below the high count for the circle. There was a three way tie between Teams 2, 3 and 11. All reported 14 individuals from their respected routes.*HAIRY WOODPECKERS were found in good numbers again this year, coming in with a total of 12 birds. This is the fourth highest total since the count's inception. Five teams reported this species with team 10 reporting five of these. *This year's 67 NORTHERN FLICKERS is only slightly above average. These were reported from all routes with another three-way tie for the highest concentrations of birds. Teams 2, 9 and 10 all reported 13 from their sections. *The 27 PILEATED WOODPECKERS reported is our third highest. These were reported from nine sections, with Team 2 leading the way with six individuals.*AMERICAN KESTRELS were down again this year. Only fourteen birds were reported from seven routes! This is our second lowest for this common falcon. Team 9 had the highest number with four birds.*
Team 5 reported a MERLIN from Fite Bend. It was busy flushing shorebirds from the fields there. This is the eighth count day showing for this small falcon.EASTERN PHOEBES were observed in high numbers again this season. 80 birds were reported from all sections. This is only three individuals less than the all-time high. Team 10 reported the highest number at 17. *
Two LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were reported this year. Team 9 reported these from the Pine Chapel route, which is an annual site for this rare north Georgia resident. *
Three teams(2, 9 &10) reported a total of four BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, which is the most we've ever tallied on this count. This is the seventh time that this species has been observed, and the third time that we have had more than one bird.
This year's total of 245 BLUE JAYS was below the average of 279! Team 11 reported the highest number of these from the Taylortown route again, 46 in all. *AMERICAN CROWS continued their below average trend for the fifth year in a row. 424 birds were reported for the count. The largest murders found this season was along the Coosawattee route where team 2 reported a total of 118. Team 5 also reported 75 from the Fite Bend fields.*FISH CROWS were reported from seven different sections, which is its most widespread showing since the count's inception. It usually only shows up at one or two locations. This year's total of 35 is the second highest for the count. Teams 10 and 13 reported the majority of these, with 25 shared.COMMON RAVEN made its second appearance for the count this season. Team 1 observed two birds near the cliffs at Carters Lake. This is a semi annual site for this species that in Georgia has been historically associated with the higher elevations of the Appalachians. It's a nice addition to the circle's database since observations at low altitudes are few and far between.As usual, HORNED LARKS were found in very small numbers, and as usual, they were found at the Fite Bend fields. Team 4 located at least six birds this year. This is the eighth 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 above average numbers . The 202 reported birds were reported from all eleven routes. Team 2 counted the highest concentrations at 48 individuals from the Coosawattee section.*TUFTED TITMOUSE numbers were above average this season at 155. Team 11 reported 38 of these from the Taylortown section. *
All three of our nuthatch species were found in above average numbers and established high counts for this CBC circle:This being an irruption year for many northern seedeaters, we hoped that it would be reflected in our totals. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH did not disappoint. Twenty-two birds were reported by three teams. The majority(18) were observed at the Salacoa Creek Park by Team 10. This species is somewhat regular on this count. It has been reported nine of the last fourteen years that the count has been conducted. Until this year the high count was only two!
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES beat their former high by only one individual! This year's total of 45 dethroned the record that was set nine years prior. Team 11 reported the highest number with 9 birds.*Similarly, the 106 BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES established a new high count by only one bird replacing a former high that was also established nine years prior!!! As always, Team 2 reported the highest concentration (46) from the pine-dominated landscape of the Coosawattee WMA. *BROWN CREEPERS were found in above average numbers this year. Six in all, four of which were observed by team 10 in the Salacoa Creek section. Teams 6 & 9 split the others. *Six teams reported a total of ten HOUSE WRENS which is slightly above average. It's only the fourth time that this bird has been reported in double digits on count-day.Also, slightly above average are the 17 WINTER WRENS that were reported from five different sections. Teams 2 and 6 had five apiece.*Two SEDGE WRENS were observed by Team 2 this season. This is the seventh count appearance for this secretive little wren.
CAROLINA WRENS were well above average numbers at 251 individuals. *BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER made its third appearance on the count this season. Team 1 observed this tiny songbird at Carters Lake. The last one reported for the circle was eight years prior. Ironically, this species has few winter sightings in the North Georgia ecoregions, not exceeding a dozen known records. It's a nice compliment to the Carters Lake database.This year's 127 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were above average. Again, Team 10 reported the highest number of these from the Salacoa Creek section.(73!) *RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were reported in above average numbers, 138 in all. This is the second highest total since the count began. Team 2 had the highest concentration with 26 birds.*This count has produced some very high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and this year was better than usual. Every team submitted numbers from their routes for a total of 328 birds. This is above average and comes in fourth to the record high of 417 that was established during the 111th CBC season. Team 2 led the way again this year with 122!*
HERMIT THRUSH was slightly below average this season with 29 birds. Team 9 boasted the highest total of nine individuals.*AMERICAN ROBIN came in at 924 this year. Decent flocks were reported from all routes with a few hitting triple digits. Team 2 observed the highest concentrations with 275 birds reported.*GRAY CATBIRD made its fifth countday appearance. Surprisingly, this was not only a single bird, but three instead! Team 4 found two individuals together at Fite Bend while Team 8 observed one along the Nickelsville route.After last year's low showing of BROWN THRASHERS they were reported at their second best tally since the count's inception. A total of 43 birds were reported from eight sections, with Team 9 leading the way with the highest number along the Pine Chapel route(9).*NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was back in the triple digits this go around. 117 birds were reported from all sections. As usual, Team 9 observed the highest number, 27 in all. *666 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported. The average is 2249. This is the fourth lowest total since the count was registered.*CEDAR WAXWINGS were almost nonexistent this time around. Only 94 birds were reported from seven routes!!! This is only the second time in the last fourteen years that this species has fallen into double digits. Still, this isn't as bad as the all-time low count of 42 that was established during the first official count on January 8th, 2008. Team 10 found the largest flock(s) with 39 birds this year.*16 HOUSE SPARROWS were submitted this season. This is below average for this non-native species.*AMERICAN PIPIT established a new high count for the circle this year. 316 were reported from five sections. As usual, the majority were observed at the Fite Bend fields. A safe estimate of at least 300 birds were reported by Team 4 as several groups flew over just after dawn. This breaks the former record of 195 that was established seven years prior during the 114th CBC season.*Well, we cross our fingers every year in hopes that the southeast will experience a large scale EVENING GROSBEAK irruption. This season in no way can compare to some of the historical irruptions from decades ago, but we did get a few flocks of chaseable grosbeaks. Better yet, a few Georgia circles landed a few birds for some of the first CBC records in years. Carters Lake was so blessed to have at least two birds fly over the Salacoa Creek Park at dawn to be tallied by Team 10 for our first record for this beautiful northern finch.HOUSE FINCH also established a new high count this season with a total of 66. Team 6 reported the highest numbers for the day with 31 individuals.*Purple Finch ~ Patrick MauricePURPLE FINCH numbers were higher than ever before with seven teams reporting a total of 76 birds. This beat the old record high of 45 that was set only four years earlier. Team 2 observed the highest concentration of these, 42 in the Coosawattee WMA. This winter finch is almost annual on our count, being reported eleven of the last fourteen years.
North Georgia also has experienced increased reports of RED CROSSBILL this season due to the northern seedeater irruption mentioned above. Fortunately, a few showed up in the circle for countday constituting the second official record for the Carters lake CBC. Team 10 reported at least four individuals from Salacoa Creek Park and Team 2 reported at least two birds from the Coosawattee WMA. Six birds in all.
Another species that has experienced a historical irruption year is the PINE SISKIN. This bird is also observed more years than not. It has been reported eleven of the last fourteen counts. We fully expected to tally triple digits this season, but we fell just below that with a total of 82 birds. Ironically, this only tied our high count that was set six years ago during another irruption year!!! Team 2 tallied the highest numbers for the day with 46 birds.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH came in with a total of 170 birds which is average. Team 2 observed at least 91 along the Coosawattee route.*Team 4 reported hearing the distinct rattle of a LAPLAND LONGSPUR at the Fite Bend fields during the pipit fallout just after dawn. This is only the fifth time that this rare winter visitor has made an appearance on the count and the first report in five years. It is suspected to be an annual winter resident at this site, but the sheer size of the property and low numbers make it difficult to survey for.
At 532, CHIPPING SPARROWS were reported in above average numbers. This is the fourth highest total for this common little sparrow. Team 2 led the way again with 155 birds. Team 3 also reported in the triple digits at 136.*FIELD SPARROW numbers were below average with 102 reported from all sections. This is actually the third lowest tally for the count. Team 2 had the highest total at 39. *47 FOX SPARROWS were reported from four sections. This is above average. As usual, Team 2 found the majority(33) in the Coosawattee WMA. Teams 6, 9 and 10 shared the others. *After five seasons the DARK-EYED JUNCO was finally back in the triple digits. 123 birds were reported from six routes. This is above the average of 98. Team 2 reported 59 of these. *White-crowned Sparrow ~ Patrick MauriceWHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were found in below average numbers, 30 in all. Teams 4(18) and 9(12) were the only observe any. The average is 44.*
This is the second consecutive year that the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW has established a new record low. This year's total of 120 is 61 birds less than last season. The average is 300. Team 11 found the highest concentration along the Taylortown route at 71. *This year's total of seven VESPER SPARROWS was slightly below average. Team 9 observed four birds while Teams 2 & 4 split the others. *This year's 191 SAVANNAH SPARROWS were the most reported in eight years and the fourth highest total since the beginning of the count. These were observed along six routes with Team 4 reporting 84 from the Fite Bend fields. *The 321 SONG SPARROWS reported is a decent total, yet still below the annual average of 334. Team 2 reported the highest total with 117 birds. *SWAMP SPARROW (74) numbers were low again this season. The highest concentration was observed at Fite Bend by Team 4 with 20 individuals. *EASTERN TOWHEES were found in good numbers and came in with our second highest total since the count's inception...194. These were reported from all sections with Team 2(44) and Team 9(40) observing the biggest tallies. *This year's 111 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS is well below the average of 176. This is the fourth lowest total for the count. These were reported from eight routes with Team 3 reporting the highest numbers from the Dews Pond section. *
Eastern Meadowlark ~ Patrick Maurice
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD came in at 744 individuals. The annual average is 2983. Nine Teams reported this species with Team 7 observing the largest concentration at 323 birds.*
Six teams reported a total of 45 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS this year. Teams 6(20) and 7(12) reported double digits. The average is 49.
After last year's pitiful total of only 63 COMMON GRACKLES it's nice to report a solid number of at least 19,837 birds. This is the highest total in five years and fourth best for the count. Our annual average is 16,030. Teams 2 and 11 reported the majority of these. *Team 9 observed an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, which constitutes the sixth count record.Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were reported this season. This is the sixth count record. Teams 3 and 4 had singles.Eight teams reported a total of 21 PALM WARBLERS. This is the second highest total for this species and only falls behind the record high count by two birds. Team 8 reported the biggest total with six birds. *PINE WARBLER was also observed in higher numbers than usual. Nine teams reported a total of 44 birds. This is the second highest total for this resident species. Team 2 lead the way with 24 individuals. *Pine Warbler ~ Patrick Maurice
98 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were reported this time around, which is below average. The highest concentrations were found by Team 11(28) and Team 7(19). *
NORTHERN CARDINALS were slightly below average this time. A total of 326 were submitted from all sections. Team 11 lead the way with 66 birds! *
COUNT WEEKONE species was 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.Double-crested Cormorant - Carters Lake - 1/03/2021The 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:
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