The 26th annual Eureka Christmas bird count was held on Saturday, December 15 in mild weather that ranged from 31˚F to 41˚F. A record 33 field observers and 16 feeder watchers recorded 61 species and 4953 individual birds. The 61 species tied the fifth highest total in our history and the number of individuals was the highest in count history.
A single Ruddy Duck was the only new species observed. Record high counts were recorded for Canada Goose (1014), Common Merganser (102), Common Raven (245), Bald Eagle (35), Eurasian Collared-dove (161), Northern Shrike (6), European Starling (170), Dark-eyed Junco (76), Red Crossbill (124), and House Sparrow (152).
Bohemian Waxwing (1230) was the most numerous species observed and other most common birds included Canada Goose (1014), Common Raven (212), Mallard (227), and Wild Turkey (197). Only 1-3 individuals were seen for 22 species such as Hooded Merganser, Ruffed Grouse, Horned Grebe, Western Grebe, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon (only the third time in count history), Blue Jay, and Cedar Waxwing (1 in a flock of hundreds of Bohemians).
Thanks to all the participants for making this another enjoyable CBC!
Lewis Young, Compiler