122nd National Audubon’s CBC
Citrus County Audubon’s 34th Annual Christmas Bird Count
(129 Species found)
In the 34 years since our first Citrus County Audubon Christmas Bird Count, we have seen many changes come to Citrus County. In 1988, during our first CBC, the population of Citrus County was about 90,000; now it is about 150,000. In 1988 we had many rural areas and wetlands in our count circle. In 2022, we inevitably found less undisturbed areas and more urbanization. With growth comes loss of wildlife habitat, therefore. fewer areas where we traditionally found birds.
In the years Citrus County Audubon has done a Christmas Bird Count we have averaged 127 species found in our count circle each year. Although the species found in Citrus County this year remained about the same, at 129, the total number of birds counted has gone down over the years.
One example is the Scrub Jay. In past years we found many colonies of Jays in our count circle. This time we found Scrub Jays in just one area of our circle. Another example is the Burrowing Owl, which was always found throughout our count circle, but this year we found none.
Fewer Ducks were found because of milder weather in the beginning of this winter. Fewer Sparrows were found for the same reason. A lot of birds did not fly south as they have in the past. We also found far lower numbers of Robins and Cedar Waxwings compared to years past.
Our Christmas Bird Count results were compiled by Kevin Brabble. We had 45 CCAS members in 12 teams and found 129 species and a total of 9559 birds seen on count day. Thanks to all participating members!
Citrus County Audubon’s 34th Annual Christmas Bird Count
(129 Species found)
In the 34 years since our first Citrus County Audubon Christmas Bird Count, we have seen many changes come to Citrus County. In 1988, during our first CBC, the population of Citrus County was about 90,000; now it is about 150,000. In 1988 we had many rural areas and wetlands in our count circle. In 2022, we inevitably found less undisturbed areas and more urbanization. With growth comes loss of wildlife habitat, therefore. fewer areas where we traditionally found birds.
In the years Citrus County Audubon has done a Christmas Bird Count we have averaged 127 species found in our count circle each year. Although the species found in Citrus County this year remained about the same, at 129, the total number of birds counted has gone down over the years.
One example is the Scrub Jay. In past years we found many colonies of Jays in our count circle. This time we found Scrub Jays in just one area of our circle. Another example is the Burrowing Owl, which was always found throughout our count circle, but this year we found none.
Fewer Ducks were found because of milder weather in the beginning of this winter. Fewer Sparrows were found for the same reason. A lot of birds did not fly south as they have in the past. We also found far lower numbers of Robins and Cedar Waxwings compared to years past.
Our Christmas Bird Count results were compiled by Kevin Brabble. We had 45 CCAS members in 12 teams and found 129 species and a total of 9559 birds seen on count day. Thanks to all participating members!
 |  |
RSS Feed
