Annual Bigfork bird count sees record numbers

Bigfork Eagle

The 40th annual Bigfork bird count witnessed 21,552 individual birds of 78 species this year.

Overall numbers were up, but the species total was a bit below our recent average counts, leader Dan Casey said. “With the addition this year of Rusty Blackbird and Common Grackle, our 40-year cumulative list now stands at 146 species,” he said. The group had record high numbers of another six species: Canada Goose (6,389), Gadwall (24), Green-winged Teal (10), Bald Eagle (69), Eurasian Collared-Dove (85), and Bohemian Waxwing (7,017).  Other highlights included five Trumpeter Swans, six “Harlan’s” Red-tailed Hawks, four Northern Pygmy-Owls, an American Three-toed Woodpecker, and 84 Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Notable by their absence were Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Gray Jay, Red Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Clark’s Nutcracker and Cedar Waxwing.  

Join Flathead Audubon in the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 16.

Birders will spend the morning identifying and counting birds at feeders in the Swan River and Bigfork areas, as well as exploring local fields and riparian areas for winter avian residents.  

Fledgling birders of all ages are encouraged to join the fun.  This is a great opportunity to learn local year-round as well as over-wintering birds.  There are always surprises.

Meet to carpool at 9 a.m. at the east end of the big parking lot of the Swan River School at the intersection of Montana Highway 83 and Echo Lake Road near Bigfork. 

Participants may plan to return to the parking lot by noon.  However, if birds are active and there is interest, participants may also wish to bird other areas.  

Bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes, snacks and dress for the weather.  Sign up early as space is limited.  Call trip leader Kathy Ross at 837-3837. 

All ages and birding abilities are welcome.