Subject: [Tweeters] Whidbey Count (prelimn)
Date: Dec 18 16:59:46 2005
From: Steve Ellis - sellis at coup.wednet.edu


We came in somewhere around 115 species and 20,200 individual birds. I
haven't received all the feeder counts yet and will post an update later.
Not showing the day of but included in count week: Snowy Owl and Northern
Shrike.
The highlight of the day was a flock of 9 Western Bluebirds seen in the
Grasser's Hill area, the high ground to the northwest of Penn Cove. A
Northern Goshawk and Yellow-billed Loon also delighted counters. Biggest
miss included Common Murre, a species that seemed to be finally rebounding
after bottoming out 6-7 years ago. Most numerous were Western Grebe ( around
2,400) followed by starlings and Brewer's Blackbird.
Mammals included Black-tailed deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Douglas Squirrel,
Harbor Seal.
Many thanks to all who participated.
Steve Ellis
Coupeville, Wa
sellis at coup.wednet.edu