The Libby Christmas Bird Count
By Gene Reckin
On December 19, 2025, twelve observers headed out to conduct the centennial Christmas Bird Count in Libby, while three additional counters monitored activity at feeders. The Kootenai Valley experienced severe flooding and high winds in two separate weather events prior to count day. As a result, the Kootenai River was too high to safely float, and numerous roads and bridges were washed out. Downed trees blocked other travel routes, which limited access in many areas. These abnormal circumstances certainly affected the count, but we all know that unfavorable weather on count day can still lead to a productive day.
We observed a respectable 57 species and a total of 2,907 birds. Wild Turkey (486) led the count, followed by Canada Goose (459), American Crow (297), Mallard (267), and Common Raven (233). American Robins (176) were also observed in unusually great numbers. Excitement was generated by two never-before-seen species: Long-tailed Duck, sighted just below the Libby Dam spillway, and Western Bluebird, seen at the confluence of Libby Creek and the Kootenai River.
Bluebirds were still in the area a month later, as were other species that should have moved on some time ago, very likely due to the absence of snow cover and the very moderate temperatures experienced this winter. Thanks go out to our observers for another successful CBC!
Eureka Christmas Bird Count
By Ellen Sullivan
The 33rd annual Eureka Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was held on Saturday, December 20, a cool day with temperatures ranging from 31°F to 38°F. Koocanusa Reservoir was open water, as were portions of nearby large lakes, while smaller lakes and ponds were mostly frozen. The Tobacco River was running high, with very few exposed rocks.
Nineteen people went to the field in 10 count parties, and 17 feeders were also counted. Fifty-eight species were recorded, which was in the upper half of species counts for Eureka’s CBC. (A record high of 72 species was reported in 2014.) A total of 3,306 individual birds were counted this year, which was also in the upper half of totals recorded over the years. Eleven of the 33 years have reflected over 3,000 individuals.
Wild Turkey (328) was the most numerous species observed. Other common birds included Bohemian Waxwing (314), American Robin (301), Common Raven (225), Canada Goose (205), and Black-capped Chickadee (160). Record high counts were recorded for Dark-eyed Junco (174), Northern Flicker (81), and American Robin (301). Eighteen species had five or fewer individuals, including American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Wilson’s Snipe, Northern Shrike, Great-horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Canada Jay, Stellar’s Jay, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Harlan’s Hawk, Pacific Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-winged Blackbird, and Killdeer.
Most of the species commonly seen over the years were once again observed in 2025, including Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Bald Eagle. The notable exception was the American Dipper, which was not seen for the first time, most likely due to high water levels. Both Canada Goose and Mallard, while present, were seen in lower numbers than usual.
A special thanks to co-compiler, Eve Wills, and all the observers who contributed their time and efforts to another successful Christmas Bird Count!