Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 16:26:55 -0500
Reply-To: Jim Greenway <mtnpathfinder@MSN.COM>
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: Jim Greenway <mtnpathfinder@MSN.COM>
Subject: Amicalola Falls CBC 2004 results
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
A big "hat's off" to the participants in the December 27 Amicalola Falls
CBC. They sacrificed a vacation day away from families to break some new
ground for the circle.
The counters rallied after a few last-minute bail-outs to bring the total
number of species ever seen on Amicalola Falls CBC to 100. Seventy-six
species were seen this year, well above the circle's average. The best bird
for the day goes to Johnny Parks and his LINCOLN'S SPARROW. New species
added to the count include the Lincoln's as well as AMERICAN WIGEON,
AMERICAN PIPIT, RUDDY DUCK & RUSTY BLACKBIRD. The total count of individuals
seen was 3091, somewhat lower than '03 but a remarkable figure in light of
the fact that there were 40% fewer counters than last year. RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES were recorded on the count, reflecting their appearances around
the state this season; PINE SISKINS, however, evaded us all.
My overall interpretation is that the circle could see a number of other
species added as well as a significant improvement in the number of
individuals recorded if we add more observers and increase the habitat
scouting.
Other "misses" included BARRED OWL, ROCK PIGEON, NORTHERN HARRIER and
RING-BILLED GULL. A gull might seem to be an odd "miss" were it not for the
fact that gulls and Rock Pigeons are seen in surprising numbers just outside
the circle.
And the day's report wouldn't be complete without recalling Chuck Saleeby's
tale of derring-do in the rescue of a Hermit Thrush. I can't imagine that it
would have survived the sub-twenties nighttime temperature had Saleeby &
associates not rescued it from its dire straits.
Folks that I'd like to thank include counters Stirling Blanchard, Jim Flynn,
Johnny Parks, Chuck Saleeby and Bob Zaremba; as well as the McCracken
family, of Dawsonville, who served as feederwatchers. I'd also like to
especially thank "sponsors" Blue Ridge Bird Seed Co., of Blue Ridge, Ga. and
Amicalola Falls State Park. Tom Striker, at Blue Ridge, donates 50 lbs of
black oil sunflower seeds to the ever financially-pinched state park to
ensure that feeders are filled in the weeks prior to the count day. Bob
Bolz, the park superintendent, sees to it that the feeders stay filled and
that we have a place to meet for the evening countdown. In this manner, the
birds, the park, the CBC counters and the park visitors in general all
benefit from the CBC sponsorship.
Let me "bang the drum" one last time for the count. In my limited
experience, Amicalola has been an excellent birding area with a variety of
habitats in a very visually appealing part of the state. I think that
there's a great deal of potential here. Plus, it's probably one of the most
easily reached of the "out of town" counts; Atlantans can shoot right up 400
and be in the circle within just a couple of miles. Please make a note on
your 2005 calendars to join us up here for the next count, tentatively
scheduled for December 26.
Happy New Year and the best of birding,
Jim Greenway - compiler - Amicalola Falls CBC
_________________________________________________________________
Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
**********
To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html
To contact a listowner, send message to
GABO-L-request@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to
http://www.gos.org/gabo.html
