[Tweeters] Skagit Bay CBC 2023 results

[Scott Ramos]

The 37th edition of the Skagit Bay CBC took place on January 1, 2024. Not
associated with any birding society, this count nevertheless includes a
dedicated group of stalwart birders. This year, our 11 sectors were counted
by 32 people, and we had 5 feeder watchers contribute as well.

Past years have had challenging weather with either ice-covered water
bodies, high winds and/or sub-freezing temperatures. We had none of these
this year, although low-lying fog hindered some sectors in the morning
hours.

We had 124 species this year which is a little higher than the average of
121 species across all years. A total of 111421 birds were seen which is
also just a little over the average of 103344. Of the 184 different species
seen over the history of this count, 63 have been seen every year.

As usual, our most abundant bird was Snow Goose (33112 [28742]), followed
by Dunlin (21285 [20636]) and Mallard (15159 [14204]) (averages shown in
[square brackets]). Other high counts included American Wigeon (7819
[4047]), European Starling (6357 [5173]), Trumpeter Swan (3405 [2024]), and
Brewer's Blackbird (2292 [1418]).

This year produced several species with the highest numbers for the survey.
Red-breasted Merganser, at 277 [average 47], was more than double the
second highest count of 136, in 2019, and a remarkable contrast to a total
of only 7 last year. Mourning Dove (354 [132]), Virginia Rail (15 [4]),
Short-billed Gull (451 [106]), Cooper's Hawk (22 [7]), Northern Flicker
(154 [82]), and Brown-headed Cowbird (52 [8]) were other species with new
high counts. The Cowbirds in particular follow an increasing trend which
began in 2018.

While not the highest survey count, a Northern Pygmy-Owl made the list for
only the third time; it was in the yard of a feeder-watcher. Should all of
us who feed the birds be so lucky! Great Horned Owl (13 [4]) was the second
highest for the survey and a Barn Owl appeared again after an absence of 6
years. A single California Scrub-Jay appeared for only the 5th time, and 2
Barn Swallows were seen, only the 3rd observation. Following a decline in
the last 3 years, Anna's Hummingbird rebounded to the third highest total
(115 [25]).

On the other hand, some expected species were either absent or in unusually
low numbers. Only a single Long-tailed Duck was seen [average 7, seen 23
years], while no Harlequin Ducks [average 5, seen 27 years] nor Eared
Grebes [average 2, seen 24 years] were found. Rough-legged Hawk has been
seen every year, but only 1 [7] was found this year. A single Red Crossbill
[average 25] was seen. American Crow (101 [553]) continues a steady decline
of at least 15 years.

A big thanks to everyone who contributed to the 2023 (in 2024!) count. With
temperatures now below 20 F for the first time in a long while, hoping you
all enjoy a real winter with the birds.

Scott Ramos
Seattle
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