Mike & Effie Smith and I were only three of the more than 50 birders who participated in this the 118th annual Christmas Bird Count.  These teams spread out in a 15 mile circle to do a count on a day that was near perfect.  Many years in the past have been cold and blustery, but this day did make up for the past.  This year's total species for all teams was 129!  Our team got 63 species and that was somewhat off last year, but we were pleased.  One bird that we were surprised to see was the Yellow Variant House Finch. Another surprising total of a single streaming sighting was over 2700 Fish Crows as they were going to roost!
​Photos by Effie Smith

Six hardy birders, (Ken, Charlene, Rey, Cindy, Bob, Diane) joined us for a chilly morning of birding.  The Group managed to tally 48 species, including:
 





Photo Courtesy Ken Spilios
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o  Six Warbler species, Magnolia, Prairie, B & W, Palm, Butterbutt, C. Yellowthroat
o  A. Kestrel and B. Eagle and Osprey
o  Horned Grebe, along with many P.Bills
o  Blue-headed Vireo, R.C. Kinglet, Chipping Sparrow
o  C. Ground Doves
o  Many Forester Terns and R.B. Gull
o  P. and R.B. Woodpecker and N. Flicker
o  W. Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes and a lone M. Turkey
 
​The Magnolia was the Bird of the Day, for sure!  All enjoyed an inside lunch at Gator Joes.
 ​Eileen & Jim