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Christmas Count Report

Highlights of the 65th Annual Bombay Hook Christmas Bird Count
18 December 2005

The Bombay Hook Christmas Count is a joint venture of DVOC and the Delmarva Ornithological Society. This was the first time in 65 years that one of the Cutlers, Dave, Betty or Herb, did not participate. They were count compilers for 60 years, their influence will always be felt as the third generation of birders takes to the field. Weather was excellent for count day, partly cloudy, light wind, and moderate temperatures. An early December cold snap partially froze ponds and impoundments, but there were still plenty of birds in the area. Of course, any count is not without incidence. One participant hit a deer on his way south. A quick change of cars did not deter him from his objective. Another vehicle ended up in a ditch at Little Creek, requiring a tow truck. Birding Delaware can be such an adventure!

Here is a historical synopsis of counts:

This year’s count did not add to the cumulative total of 216 species. We did have three species for only the second time. A COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL at Kitts Hummock was the first since 1986. A pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS in two different locations, along the Leipsic River and behind Finis Pool off Rt. 9, were the first multiple sighting. The first record was from Little Creek in 1999. Finally, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was seen by the east side of the refuge headquarters. That species first record was in 2003, is there a trend to winter more to the north?

The count definitely had good numbers of nuthatches and marsh wrens. There were several record high counts for species:

Highlight Species:
Five species of goose were found on the count. ROSS’ and CACKLING GOOSE were seen at Bear Swamp. BRANT were found at Little Creek. A total of 27 species of waterfowl were found, including: 12 WOOD DUCKS, 6 CANVASBACK and a SURF SCOTER. A female LONG-TAILED DUCK was in the refuge opposite Shearness Pool, and 3 REDHEADS were seen off Kitts Hummock. A RED-THROATED LOON was seen south of Woodland Beach. Two DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were seen on Silver Lake in Dover. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen south of Woodland Beach. The count totaled a respectable 14 VIRGINIA and 3 CLAPPER RAILS. Six species of gull were found including 3 LAUGHING GULLS at Port Mahon and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found south of Dover. 7 species of OWLS were recorded, including a LONG-EARED and SAW-WHET near Kitts Hummock. The refuge reported 2 PALM WARBLERS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR. SNOW BUNTINGS were found south of Leipsic. Finally, the only winter finches were 13 PURPLE FINCHES near Woodland Beach.

Conversely, there are some unusual low records. AMERICAN KESTREL numbers continue to be single digits. This is down from an average of 75 birds per count. There were low numbers of shorebirds, especially yellowlegs. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN AVOCET, WESTERN SANDPIPER, and DOWITCHERS were not found. None of the marsh sparrows, Sharp-tailed or Seaside, were reported. One species that was missed was BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE. During this invasion year, they have made it below the canal in New Castle Co, but have not crossed into Kent Co. or the count circle yet. Finally, this was the second year in a row without BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS. Bombay Hook use to have one of the highest counts on the east coast. Now, the cow farm at Leipsic is no longer productive and the blackbirds have moved on.

Thanks to all that made this year’s count happened. Especially the refuge staff, who even put a boat in the water to cover the marshes. The total of 128 species is very respectable. Bombay Hook continues to be one of the highest producing counts, that is not along the Atlantic coast. Hope you can make it next year!

Andy Ednie