The 45th Port Townsend Christmas Bird Count was held on December 17, 2022.
A cold calm overcast morning, 38 degrees, gave way to an increasing south
breeze mid-morning followed by a wind-driven light rain after noon. The
undaunted birders persevered, ultimately tallying 122 species, beating the
old record, set last year, by one.

While some effort data is still coming in, we had at least 63 participants,
including nine feeder watchers. This is the second highest ever. The count
has only topped 60 participants four times, all within the past five years.
Together, we put in approximately 125 party hours, smashing the old record
of 103 (in 2001).

All bird numbers are in. Noteworthy sightings included
2 Tundra Swans among the Trumpeters,
a Yellow-billed Loon seen from the boat south of Marrowstone,
the count's 3rd ever Rock Sandpiper at the tip of Flagler spit,
continuing Canada Jays at Gibbs Lake,
and a remarkable 60 Mourning Doves in Port Townsend at Collinswood Farm
fields.

Record high counts were set for eight species. These were:
Trumpeter Swan (196 > 109),
Red-breasted Merganser (909 > 709),
Brandt's Cormorant (343 > 301),
Black Oystercatcher (37 > 34),
California Scrub-Jay (9 > 2),
Black-capped Chickadee (254 > 183),
Yellow-rumped Warbler (89 > 16),
Dark-eyed Junco (1342 > 1012).

Two species tied previous high records: Northern Saw-whet Owl (3) and
Northern Pygmy-Owl (2). There were no record low counts.

Some of the record high counts continue increasing trends of species
advancing north with a warming climate, most notably California Scrub-Jay
(now resident in Port Townsend in increasing numbers) and over-wintering
Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Notable misses on the count were Greater Scaup, Eared Grebe, and Hutton's
Vireo.

In addition to the 122 birds, we just missed four more. These go down as
"count week" birds, as they were seen within three days of the count in
either direction.

Barn Owl
Red-breasted Sapsucker
White-throated Sparrow
Red-shouldered Hawk

This last is one of very few county records, seen by a birder returning
from the Sequim CBC along 101 near Discovery Bay. An adult, it is likely
still around and should be looked for along Snow Creek, Uncas Wildlife
Area, and Discovery Bay.

Thanks to all the route leaders and participants!

--
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)