The total number of species observed during our spring bird count was a new record. This year we had 103 species observed. Our average is 94 species. We had 11,399 observations, well above our average of 8,715 observations. Party hours came in at 127 which slightly below our average of 131. We had 59 observers, which is below recent trend, but still above our average of 56 volunteers. Leaders and volunteers have become more regular, and we go out knowing what to expect, which leads to an openness to something unusual.
A warming climate may allow more southern species to expand their ranges. As an example, when we look back at species such as Carolina Wren and Red-bellied Woodpecker, they were not in our region is such concentrations when the count started in 1986. Red-bellied Woodpeckers didn’t break 100 until 2001 with early counts in the 30-60 range. For the first 15 years of the count, the average observations of Carolina Wrens were about 39 observations. Carolina Wren broke 100 observations is 2006 and with the exception of 2011 and 2021, has always been greater than 100. The climate question also is a little confusing because species such as Common Raven and Common Merganser are now breeders in our region. We used to have to go to the Hawk Mountain area to see Common Ravens. The closest location to find nesting Common Mergansers in Pennsylvania used to be the Pocanos.
Highs:
Double-crested Cormorant: There were 20 observations. Our average is 6. This is the highest total since 2013.
Barred Owl: We had 3 observations; 1 in Section 1 and 2 in Section 8.
Eastern Screech Owl: There were 20 observations. Our average is 3. Of those 10 observations, 8 came from Section 1. Nice scouting.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: There were 259 observations. Our average is 133. This is highest total ever recorded for the count.
Pileated Woodpecker: There were 29 observations. Our average is 6. This is the highest total ever for the count.
Eastern Wood Pewee: We had 153 observations. This was our highest total ever for the count. Our average is 67.
Great Crested Flycatcher: We had 99 observations. Our average is 46. This was the 2nd highest total ever recorded.
Warbling vireo: We had 99 observations. This species has been trending up since 2010. Our average is 43.
Purple Martin: There were 19 observed in Section 3. Our average is 5.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Our 133 observations tied the highest total ever for the count. The last time we matched that number was 2012.
Carolina Chickadee: This species improved to 99 observations. Average is 122. We have had a gradual increase since the 2019 low.
Tufted Titmouse: We had 117 observations, which is exactly our average. This species has shown signs of recovery from the 2019 low.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: We had 84 observations. Our average is 37. This is the 2nd highest total ever for the count.
Wood Thrush: We had 178 observations. This is the 2nd highest total for the count. Our average is 114.
Gray Catbird: We had 1277 observations, which is the highest total for any single species in 2025. Our average is 600.
Eastern Towhee: We had 131 observations. This is the highest total for the species during the count. Our average is 86.
Grasshopper Sparrow: We had 6 observations. This is the 4th year is row for the species being reported on the count and the highest total ever.
Northern Cardinal: We had 520 observations, making for the highest total ever for the species. Our average is 303.
Lows:
American Kestrel: We had 1 observation from Section 3. Our average is 5.
Black Vulture: We had 11 observations. Our average is 30. This is the lowest count since 2007 and most likely reflects the soupy weather.
Turkey Vulture: We had 64 observations and our average is 74. This is the lowest count since 2005. This also might be a reflection of cloudy weather.
Mallard: We had 77 observations. Our average is 169. With the exceptions of 2020 and 2023, Mallards have been trending downward since 2017. We wonder if Bird Flu is at play with the decline.
Red-tailed Hawk: We had 23 observations. Our average is 38. This is the lowest record since 2003.
Barn Swallow: We had 68 observations, which was well below our average of 103. It is the lowest since 2019, with the previous bust year in 1998. It did seem as if something drastic happened to Barn Swallows this year.
Louisiana Waterthrush: We had 1 observation from Section 1. Our average is 3. Our feeling is that this species has not benefited from the earlier trout season in SE Pennsylvania. We think they struggle with all so many fishermen plying the stocked trout at the very time the birds return for breeding. Droughts and the general decline of aquatic insects also don’t help.
Scarlet Tanager: We had 7 observations, which was the 2nd lowest count for the species since 1999. Hoping they were all deep into their breeding cycle and were just in a quiet phase. Our average is 16.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks had 0 observations. This is the lowest ever for the count. Our average is 6.
Unusual sightings:
Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Hooded Merganser, and Mississippi Kite in Section 1.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (a new species for the count) and Black-billed Cuckoo in Section 5.
Great Egret, Snow Goose, Broad-winged hawk, and Northern Saw Whet Owl from Section 6.
Kentucky Warbler and Blue Grosbeak in Section 10.
You can see the complete species list here.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our annual Christmas Bird Count to be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025. If you are in town for the holiday and want to help, please contact Vince Smith by December 18th to be assigned to a team. Beginning birders are welcome and will be assigned to a team with experienced members.
