The eleventh Deer Run Bird Survey started a bit slow. We were met with a brisk, constant breeze as we crossed the prairie around 6:00 AM on Wednesday. We only had an hour and a half before Birdfreak had to get to work so our numbers were destined to be a bit low.
Despite the low numbers of individuals, we still tallied 46 species including NINE new ones for the survey. The biggest highlights were two Henslow’s Sparrows and a life bird, Le Conte’s Sparrow!
Henslow’s Sparrow
The new birds for the survey:
- Alder Flycatcher
- American Redstart
- Golden-winged Warbler
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Indigo Bunting
- Le Conte’s Sparrow
- Rose Breasted Grosbeak
- Veery
- Wood Thrush
The list so far is at 98 species and 3,922 individual birds. We haven’t been able to do as many surveys or for as long as we’d like, but we are pleased with the diversity of birds and the project thus far.
I’ve never participated in a bird survey. What is exactly what you do?
Hope other birder-readers are not rolling their eyes for me… lol
Melissa – sorry your comment was lost in the mix! We should have responded earlier! The survey isn’t a “true” survey because those would have specific count points and other factors.
Our surveys are just a general survey or overview of the birds at one particular place. We will have a full report of our findings in DEC 2008 and our goals are to improve habitat/conservation efforts in this area.