Christmas Bird Counts 2002
Athabasca 2002 Christmas Bird Count
Date: 27 December, 2002, 8:30 AM
Location: Muskeg Creek Chalet, Athabasca
Report of the 2002 Athabasca Christmas Birdcount
Results will be posted directly to Bird Studies Canada website. Results for the last 102 counts are available on Audbon's site.
HIGHLIGHTS: Both the variety of species and the total number of individual birds counted were down on the Athabasca Christmas Birdcount held December 27, 2002. Only 25 different bird species were observed compared with 34 in December 2001. Most feeder and field observers found the number of individuals to be well down as well. Although the reduction in diversity and totals is puzzling some experienced birders suggest that with the unusually mild weather the birds are feeding successfully deeper in the bush and are less likely to visit our backyard feeders. Whatever the cause, this years count was remarkable for an almost complete lack of owls and raptors. Aside from one barred owl and two bald eagles we found no hawks or owls. Previous counts have turned up significant numbers of small and large owls, northern goshawks, merlins and other raptors.
On the positive side, most observers are finding a good increase in the beautiful pine grosbeaks although the evening grosbeak numbers seem to be down somewhat.
Thanks to all who participated in our 2002 Count. This annual assessment of birdlife variety and numbers is important in monitoring the health of our feathered Boreal neighbours.
LOCATION: Latitude - 54°43' N, Longitude - 113°17' W, centre 50th Ave & 50 St. Athabasca Alberta
DATE: Friday December 27, 2002, 07:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
WEATHER: -14C to -4C. Clear. Light SW Wind - 5km/h. Light morning hoar frost ground cover. 0-4 cm snow in shade and bush. Water frozen.
OBSERVERS: Field - 6 in 4 parties [nonowling]: Wayne Brehaut; Alexis/Dale Kiselyk; Fred Korbut; Avard Mann; Geoff Peruniak; Harvey Scott. 1 owling.
FEEDER WATCHERS - 21: Elaine/Terra Birkigt; Ursula Brant; Jean Brehaut; Linda Buhlman / Shirley Day; Nellie Cholach; Ella Crusch; Sharon Dombrowsky; Bud/Linda Goupil; Don Johnson: Alexis/Dale Kiselyk; Terry Korman; Donna Koziak / Peter Opryshko; Marie Martin; Rosemary Neaves; Sherri Richardson; Jean Rooke; Adele/Norman Sale; Louis Schmittroth; Evelyn Scott; Joan Sherman; Helen/Walter Struski; John Williams.
TOTAL PARTY HOURS: 72 hrs; Field - 30 hrs [20 - in car, 8 - on foot]; Feeders - 42 hrs; Owling - 2 hrs.
TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED: 145 kms. Car - 123 kms; 20 kms - on foot. Owling - 2kms.
COUNT BY SPECIES: Bald Eagle - 02; Ruffed Grouse - 13; Rock Dove - 34; Downy Woodpecker - 35; Hairy Woodpecker - 27; Pileated Woodpecker - 03; Gray Jay - 18; Blue Jay - 56; Magpie - 38; Raven - 98; Black-capped Chickadee - 347; Boreal Chickadee - 09; White Breasted Nuthatch - 19; Starling - 12; Cedar Waxwing - 02; Snow Bunting - 990; Pine Grosbeak - 247; Common Redpoll - 37; Hoary Redpoll - 01; Pine Siskin - 45; Evening Grosbeak - 171; House Sparrow - 78; Bohemian Waxwing - 38; Robin - 01; Barred Owl - 01.
TOTAL SPECIES: 25.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS: 2322.
Science Outreach Athabasca - September 26, 2012
