After unusually comfortable conditions last year, participants this year were met with sub-freezing temperatures, snow and strong northerly winds. As a result, viewing conditions were difficult for everyone in the field--especially those counting birds along the shores of Lake Michigan. While waterfowl and gull numbers were down, our intrepid Lake Michigan team found our only Bohemian Waxwings and Bonaparte's Gulls (as well as a flock of Snow Buntings). With the high winds raptors were hard to come by, but we did see a record 19 Bald Eagles. (A review of our historical Count results confirms the steady increase in eagle numbers since 1990, as well as the rarity of eagle sightings before then.)

The absence of open water made ducks, geese and swans hard to find. But our Lower Herring Lake team found a Gadwall along with Hooded Mergansers and Trumpeter Swans. One of our Crystal Lake groups found Horned Grebes, and Trumpeter Swans were also found on the Platte River (who would have ever guessed that we would tally more Trumpeter than Mute Swans !).

"Winter finches" made a good showing this year, with Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Siskins all reported. Under better conditions the bohemian numbers no doubt would have been much higher, as large flocks were widely seen before the Count.

Noteworthy Count Week birds were Ring-necked Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk and Northern Flicker. Our "best" birds for the Count were the Common Grackle found in Honor and a Northern Mockingbird spotted along the Betsie Valley Trail near River Road.

Thanks to the 29 who counted birds in the field, as well as the 16 who watched birds at home. As usual, one of our feeder watchers contributed a bird (Song Sparrow) that no one found in the field. Two photos from the Count and tally appear on our Pictures page.

Below is a complete list of the birds we tallied.