By Ranger Steve Mueller

Sixty-three species were seen (Table 1) by 43 people counting birds on Jan. 2, 2021 for the Grand Rapids Audubon Count. There were 38 field observers and 8 bird feeder watchers with three participants doing both field and feeder observations. The annual bird count is held during a two-week period near Christmas. The GRAC count is usually held the Saturday after Christmas. During some years that results in it being in the following calendar year but it is still considered a count for the previous year. Our count was in 2021 but is considered a 2020 bird count.  

Total individuals sighted was 8805. During the last four years, more birds were seen two of the years and two years had fewer sightings. Open flowing water and partly frozen still water provided opportunity to see more water birds. 

The day was cloudy with the temperature between 29º and 34ºF. Three inches of snow covered most of the areas. The count circle has the same 7.5-mile radius from the Honey Creek and 2 Mile Road intersection annually.

There were 24 birding parties in the morning, 16 in the afternoon and 8 feeder watchers. To prevent double counting only the highest number for each species observed in the feeder area at one time is counted. We totaled 78.5 hours traveling in vehicles for 675.6 miles. 17 hours was on foot covering 31 miles and 23 hours was feeder watching. A combined total of 706.5 miles was on foot and driving. We had 118 hours of daytime birding. 

For Covid-19 safety precautions, we social distanced, had no public gathering, birded alone or with immediate household members and compiling was done by email. That resulted in greater area coverage intensity with smaller survey areas and likely increased the number of birds being sighted. Participants e-mailed species sightings with numbers seen to count coordinators. 

In the predawn, 14.5 miles was traveled during 2.5 hours listening for owls. One Eastern Screech Owl, four Great Horned Owls, and one Barred Owl were heard. One owl sighted was not seen well enough to be identified but was either a Great Horned or Barred Owl.

Four additional species were sighted during count week and listed as cw in Table 1. Count week numbers are not included with the count day tally submitted to National Audubon. The Christmas bird count is the longest running citizen science program and provides data useful for scientists to evaluate range changes and population fluctuations. This was the 121^st count since the program began. 

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary, 13010 Northland Dr. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or call 616-696-1753.