Rare birds seen on annual Christmas bird count

This marked the fifth time the species had ever been seen during the annual bird count, where bird enthusiasts and amateur bird watchers alike survey the area and compile a list of species and quantity of birds.

But while unique and definitely a highlight for the birders, the snowy owl wasn’t the most rarely sighted bird seen that day. Preliminary numbers showed 85 different species and around 20,000 birds. The record for Bigfork is 90 species set in 2011.

“It was a great count, I’m really happy with it,” organizer Dan Casey said.

As of Dec. 29, Casey was still waiting to hear back from a few feeder watchers, but he knew of several species records set this year.

Record numbers of ring-necked ducks (302), bald eagles (71), American kestrels, collared doves, flickers (164), blue jays (41), black-capped chickadees and American goldfinches (352) were counted.

Several rare birds spotted included a Pacific loon, swamp sparrow, ruby-crown kinglet and spotted towhee. This was only the second time a Pacific loon and swamp sparrow was seen during the Bigfork count and the third time for the ruby-crown kinglet and spotted towhee.

Thirty-two people participated in the count this year by traveling around designated areas and looking for birds. Six people participated as feeder watchers. The count is conducted through the Audubon Society, which has about 3,000 Christmas bird counts nation wide.

“It’s the longest running bird survey on the continent,” Casey said.

The tradition of a Christmas bird count started as an alternative to the traditional Christmas bird hunt. Also called the “Side Hunt,” it was carried out as a competition between sides to see who brought back the biggest pile of quarry.

Around the turn of the 20th century, however, scientists became concerned about declining bird populations, and in 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed the “Christmas Bird Census.” Twenty-five counts were held the first year.

The count has became a tradition as a social activity for people interested in birds and wildlife and a key data-compiling event. With decades of data, scientists and conservationists are able to gain an idea of the distribution and population of birds. They have used the data to look at how climate change has affected bird populations.

The Bigfork bird count has been one of the most productive in the state, with a wide variety of habitat.

“People should be aware that they live in a special place for birds,” Casey said.

A snowy owl was spotted by birdwatchers during the 41st annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 27.

This marked the fifth time the species had ever been seen during the annual bird count, where bird enthusiasts and amateur bird watchers alike survey the area and compile a list of species and quantity of birds.

But while unique and definitely a highlight for the birders, the snowy owl wasn’t the most rarely sighted bird seen that day. Preliminary numbers showed 85 different species and around 20,000 birds. The record for Bigfork is 90 species set in 2011.

“It was a great count, I’m really happy with it,” organizer Dan Casey said.

As of Dec. 29, Casey was still waiting to hear back from a few feeder watchers, but he knew of several species records set this year.

Record numbers of ring-necked ducks (302), bald eagles (71), American kestrels, collared doves, flickers (164), blue jays (41), black-capped chickadees and American goldfinches (352) were counted.

Several rare birds spotted included a Pacific loon, swamp sparrow, ruby-crown kinglet and spotted towhee. This was only the second time a Pacific loon and swamp sparrow was seen during the Bigfork count and the third time for the ruby-crown kinglet and spotted towhee.

Thirty-two people participated in the count this year by traveling around designated areas and looking for birds. Six people participated as feeder watchers. The count is conducted through the Audubon Society, which has about 3,000 Christmas bird counts nation wide.

“It’s the longest running bird survey on the continent,” Casey said.

The tradition of a Christmas bird count started as an alternative to the traditional Christmas bird hunt. Also called the “Side Hunt,” it was carried out as a competition between sides to see who brought back the biggest pile of quarry.

Around the turn of the 20th century, however, scientists became concerned about declining bird populations, and in 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed the “Christmas Bird Census.” Twenty-five counts were held the first year.

The count has became a tradition as a social activity for people interested in birds and wildlife and a key data-compiling event. With decades of data, scientists and conservationists are able to gain an idea of the distribution and population of birds. They have used the data to look at how climate change has affected bird populations.

The Bigfork bird count has been one of the most productive in the state, with a wide variety of habitat.

“People should be aware that they live in a special place for birds,” Casey said.