Christmas Bird Count 2019

This article was originally published in The Midden – Great Basin National Park: Vol. 19, No. 2, Winter 2019.

Pinyon jays are one of the most numerous birds seen during Christmas Bird Counts.

Photo by John Dickson

by Gretchen Baker, Ecologist

Come join us on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 for the 23rd annual Snake Valley Christmas Bird Count!

Last year we had a record 18 participants. We also had the most bird species ever, with 60 on Count Day. Some sightings that stood out:

• Golden crowned-sparrow at Grey Cliffs

• Northern pygmy owl on upper Lexington route (about 1/2 mile before spring)

• Northern goshawk on Baker Ranch

• Wilson’s snipe at Rowland Spring

• Pacific wren on Burma Road (Sage Way)

• Ring-necked ducks at the Rear- ing Station on Snake Creek

• Common mergansers on the Pruess/Garrison route

• Bewick’s wren in Big Wash

• Canyon wren near Lexington spring

If you were wondering what the most numerous birds were, we counted 392 Horned larks, 330 European starlings, 295 American wigeons (the first year that wigeons outnumbered mallards, and wigeon numbers have been high the last few years), 198 pinyon jays, 186 common ravens, 156 dark-eyed juncos, 119 Canada goose, and 98 green-winged teal (the most ever).

We welcome birders of all experience levels for the Christmas Bird Count. We have multiple routes, and it’s a great way to get to know the park and surrounding area better. For more information, please contact Gretchen_ [e-mail].