An American Robin getting a drink from still-open water in our creek

An American Robin getting a drink from still-open water in our creek

by Sandy Garland

This year, a group of FWG volunteers reported the smallest number of birds ever, although not the fewest species. The bitter cold over the weekend likely drove most birds into shelter.

David Hobden, who leads this activity for us, writes, “The FWG has participated for a number of years, with a group count on Friday morning and often counts done at other times over the 4 days and given to me to report. Over the years the project has evolved and now receives reports from all over the world. You can visit www.BirdCount.org to get more details.

The group meets at the FWG, spends about an hour walking around the site, recording what they see. As David says, “How far we go and low long it will take will depend on the weather.”

Here’s this year’s modest list, along with lists from 2015 and 2013 for comparison.

2016
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 2
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
House Finch 3

2015
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 13
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 3

2013
Mourning Dove 7
Downy Woodpecker 5
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 5
House Finch 8
Common Redpoll 2
American Goldfinch 1