The 12TH Kerr Lake CBC was held on Jan 2, 2015. 16 participants in 9
parties found 13,641 (average 12,636) and our SECOND best total 99
species!!! (average 93). It was a cloudy day with moderate temperatures
ranging from 38-52 degrees, light winds but no precipitation.
I would like to add that three counters have participated in ALL 12 counts,
Adam D’onofrio, Clyde Smith, and Brian Bockhahn of course. Deck Stapleton
has 10 of 12 and trying to catch us!!!
THIRD COUNT RECORDS: two parties finding *Merlin, *could have been the
same bird! A *Red-necked Grebe* at lakes center was seen from North Bend
Park, I’m surprised they are not more regular, probably detectability since
they dive so much. Falls Lake and Roanoke Rapids Lake they are probably
also annual but not always seen. A single *Northern Pintail* flew over the
dam at dusk, about 20’ over my head.
FIFTH COUNT RECORDS: Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Rusty
Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird and 7 parties reporting Pine Siskin!
The last year they may be noteworthy would be our 6th Spotted Sandpiper
continuing below the dam, seen at low water; our 6th Pacific Loon (present
8 of the last 9 years); 7th record of Red-throated Loon, wow these two
loons are more common than Coopers Hawk up here! Lesser and Greater-black
backed Gulls also ever present around the dam.
Misses include Wild Turkey (2nd time missed, ouch), Coopers Hawk (6th
miss), Wilsons Snipe (8th), Red-breasted Nuthatch (7th), Gray Catbird (9th),
Palm Warlber (10th), Common Yellowthroat (11th!!!), White-crowned Sparrow (5
th) and Purple Finch (4th).
For the record we put in 55.5 hours and 31 miles by foot, 11.75 hours and
160.5 miles by car, 6 hours and 8.5 miles owling and 1.75 feeder hours.
Thanks to all counters!!!
--
Brian Bockhahn
birdranger248@xxxxxxxxx
