by Taylor Tewksbury
Swan Valley Connections (SVC) hosted the Upper Swan Valley Christmas Bird Count on Wednesday, December 20. Weather conditions were constant throughout the day with cloudy skies, calm wind conditions, and the occasional light rain shower. Temperatures remained in the mid-to high thirties. Most waterways in the valley were partially frozen and a thin layer of snow lingered on the ground. Fifteen volunteers recorded 26 species (226 individual birds) during SVC’s count day and six additional species during count week. To accomplish this, SVC birding parties walked 20.9 miles (16.8 hours) and drove 28.9 miles (2.13 hours).
This was the first CBC on record that a Merlin was noted in the Upper Swan Valley count. Additional count day highlights included a Northern Shrike (1), Pacific Wren (1), Northern Pygmy-Owl (1), and Golden Eagle (1). Count week also contributed a Northern Goshawk.
Thank you to the amazing participants who supported the success of this event!
You must be logged in to post a comment.