As promised earlier, following is the summary of the Prince George, BC 1997
Christmas Bird Count.

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Prince George Christmas Bird Count Review - Jan. 21, 1997

The annual Christmas Bird Count was held on December 21, 1997. The weather was
nothing short of spectacular with clear skies, mild temperatures and very light
wind. Our winter weather had been quite mild up to that date, and this
undoubtedly had a positive effect on the count. At 32, the number of
participants was about average. The number of individual birds (4885) was also
right around the IO-year average. The 45 species tallied this year, however,
tied 1988 for the highest ever .... 10 more than last year! There were many
noteworthy sightings, including the first ever American Kestrel for the Prince
George CBC; and only the second CBC record for Canada Goose (3), Northern
Harrier (3), and Varied Thrush (1). As well, highest-ever numbers were found for
several species: Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Rock Dove, Short-eared Owl,
Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Common Raven, Song Sparrow, and Red-winged
Blackbird.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and special thanks to Cathy Antoniazzi who
organized everything and hosted the get-together,

Canada Goose 3 **** 2nd count occurrence
Green-winged Teal 3
Mallard 173
Common Merganser 10
Common Goldeneye 3
duck sp. - 1
Bald Eagle 42 (adult 10) *** record high
Northern Harrier 3 **** 2nd count occurrence
Rough-legged Hawk 8 *** record high
American Kestrel 1 ***** first ever for count
Merlin 2
Ruffed Grouse 7
Killdeer 3
Rock Dove 481 *** record high
Short-eared Owl 19 *** record high
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 26
Hairy Woodpecker 39
Northern Flicker 8 (Red-shafted 6, hybrid 1)
Pileated Woodpecker 7
woodpecker sp. 1
Gray Jay 6
Steller's Jay 2
Black-billed Magpie 49 *** record high
American Crow 434 *** record high
Common Raven 638 *** record high
Black-capped Chickadee 696
Red-breasted Nuthatch 19
Brown Creeper 2
American Dipper 1
American Robin 3
Varied Thrush 1 **** 2nd count occurrence
Bohemian Waxwing 745
Northern Shrike 1
European Starling 502
Song Sparrow 15 *** record high
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 46 (Slate-colored 6)
Red-winged Blackbird 224 *** record high
Rusty Blackbird 6
Brewer's Blackbird 73
Pine Grosbeak 127
White-winged Crossbill 1
Common Redpoll 93
Pine Siskin 34
Evening Grosbeak 66
House Sparrow 235


Additional species seen during count week:
Blue Jay
Mountain Chickadee
Red Crossbill
Northern Pygmy Owl

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Total Individuals 4885
Total species 45
Sky clear
Snow depth 6cm
Max temp -1 C
Min temp -6
Participants 32
km driven 945
km walked 41.5
hours driven 74.25
hours walked 12

- Mark Phinney

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- Jack

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Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca