2021 Spring Bird Count Results

Our annual Spring Bird Count took place on June 5, 2021. We observed 93 species and 8,864 birds which is consistent with our 36-year average. Here are our notable findings:

THE HIGHS:

  • 48 Great-Blue Herons. They continue to do well. This was our second highest total ever. Our average is 18.
  • 18 Common Mergansers were the highest total ever for the count. Our average is 2.
  • 3 Ospreys, the second highest total for the count and the highest since the 4 birds were observed in 1996. When will they start nesting locally?
  • 9 Cooper’s Hawks, which ties for the second highest count. Our average is 4.
  • 9 Red-shouldered Hawks tied with last year’s count for the highest ever for the count. Our average is 1.
  • 60 Red-tailed Hawks. Our average is 37. This species has been in a general upward trend since 2009.
  • 6 Bald Eagles tied for the highest total for the species. Our average is 1.
  • 2 Peregrine Falcons. This species has been observed since 2014, with 1 to 4 birds being noted in those years.
  • 105 Eastern Wood Peewee, the highest total ever for the count. Our average is 61.
  • 96 Warbling Vireos, the second highest total for the count. Our average is 37.
  • 32 Fish Crows, the second highest total on the count. Our average is 10.
  • 197 Wood Thrush was a major surprise. We have been seeing and hearing about a decline in their numbers yet we came in with the highest total ever. Our average is 112.
  • 3 Pine Warblers; our average is 1.
  • 59 Ovenbirds, which is the highest total since 2011. Our average is 30.
  • 187 Common Yellowthroats, the second highest total for the count. Our average is 124.
  • 125 Eastern Towhees, the second highest total for the count. Our average is 82.
  • 13 Eastern Meadowlarks, the highest count since 2006. Our average is 7.
  • 69 Orchard Orioles is not only the highest total for the count but close to double the next highest count. Our average is 18.

THE LOWS:

  • 86 Turkey Vultures was the lowest count since 2010, though still above the average of 68.
  • 44 Mallards. We average 178. This is the lowest count since 1992 and tied for the second lowest count ever.
  • 1 Killdeer, which is the lowest count ever. Our average is 13.
  • No Common Ravens. This is our first 0 since 2015. The ravens are still around but they did not show on count day. We had 15 in 2020.
  • 44 Carolina Chickadees, the second lowest count ever. Our average is 127. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back from their 2019 low of 25.
  • 90 Tufted Titmouse is an increase from the low of 27 in 2019. Our average is 119
  • 36 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, the lowest count since 2008, but closer to our average of 34. This may represent a delay in fledglings. We hope they just got a late start this year.
  • 674 American Robin was the lowest count since 1995. Our average is 843.
  • 68 Yellow Warblers is a decrease from our average of 90. This is the lowest count since 2008.
  • No Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which was the very first 0 for the count. Our average is 6.
  • 150 Common Grackle, which is tied for the second lowest total for the count. Our average is 308.

UNEXPECTED FINDINGS:

  • 2 Black-crowned night herons
  • 1 Snow Goose
  • 1 Broad-winged hawk
  • 1 Alder flycatcher
  • 2 Yellow-breasted chats

See the complete list here.

Our Christmas Bird Count is December 26.  Because this is at the holiday season and many people travel, we can be short of volunteers for the count.  If you are in town for the holiday and want to help, please send us a note at valleyforgeaudubon@gmail.com.  Beginning birders are welcome and will be assigned to a team with experienced members.