Posting the spring bird challenge a few weeks ago, I knew in my heart that I would have to wait a month or even two months before I could accomplish a true spring bird nature study. But, it has put it on my on plan for future nature study experiences.
We have not spotted one spring bird. In fact, our Great Backyard Bird Count was the smallest count we have ever recorded in the many years we have been tallying birds for the project.
Great Backyard Bird Count List for 2019
La Pine, Oregon
- Hairy woodpecker -2
- Northern flicker -2
- Mountain chickadee – 5
- Pygmy nuthatch -7
- House finch -1
That’s it. Hardly a spectacular count here at my location in Central Oregon. We had snow on the ground and a high temperature of 35 degrees for the Bird Count weekend. Even for us this was a fraction of the usual birds we see at our feeders on any given weekend.
As far as new birds to learn about, none so far this season. I will keep watching and hopefully just like last year I will be surprised by a new species to add to my list. (Last year it was the Wilson’s snipe!)
If you would like to read the original challenge for a spring bird nature study, here is the link: Outdoor Hour Challenge – Spring Bird.
Thanks for sharing your bird count! We’ve been enjoying the winter bird visitors we’ve had to our yard in The Dalles over the past month the snow has covered the ground: Northern Flicker, Varied Thrush, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Chickadee and Mountain Chickadee, as well as Dark Eyed Junco. This year was our first year seeing Mountain Chickadees. We also have two other small birds that have visited us, but we haven’t identified yet! I looked up your birds to see if it looked like a match to one of ours, but it wasn’t. It’s been a very enjoyable pastime.
~heather
Heather- the robins, spotted towhees, and bluebirds just arrived in our yard this past week! Spring is hopefully on the way!