2017 Great Backyard Bird Count

I just finished completing my checklists for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Although I look at the bird feeder in our backyard every day, I usually only notice a handful of different birds at a time, so it was nice to be able to concentrate on the variety of birds that show up in the winter. Although many of the species are daily visitors, such as the black-capped chickadee, blue jay and tufted titmouse;  some bird species only appeared on one of the four days, such as the red-breasted nuthatch.

On Friday, the first morning of the bird count, I added 18 Wild Turkeys to the list.

With all the snow we received last week, the turkeys were having a hard time finding food on the ground

Although prevalent across most of North America, the wild turkey had actually disappeared from New Hampshire about 150 years ago. In the 1970s, New Hampshire Fish and Game reintroduced the bird to the state, and now over 25,000 cover every county. They seem to frequently make the rounds in our neighborhood.

On Saturday morning, I was heading up north to go cross country skiing so I only had a few minutes to observe. The largest number of a single species observed was the dark-eyed or slate colored junco of which I counted 12. Although typically found foraging on the ground, this weekend they also frequented the feeder.

Slate-colored junco with White-breasted nuthatch

Saturday was also the only day that I observed both a male and female cardinal.  Every other day, only the male appeared, although I am sure that his mate was nearby.

These cardinals make a handsome pair

 Sunday morning saw the largest variety of different species with 14 appearing. There were several tree-clinging birds including a male and female White-breasted Nuthatch, a Downy woodpecker and a Red-bellied woodpecker.

Female Downy Woodpecker taking a rest

It was difficult to get pictures of some of the birds as they would swoop in to the feeder and to stop in a tree and would then be off, perhaps to find better offerings in the neighborhood. This made capturing a photo to be a difficult task. 

Red-bellied Woodpecker in flight

Not all the animal visitors were birds. Although they are the reason that I need to continually fill the feeders, I can't help but admire squirrels for their athleticism and acrobatic maneuvers.  

Grey Squirrel and House Sparrow

Grey Squirrel showing off his long tail

As temperatures crept near fifty this weekend, it was fitting to see two Robins this morning, a sign that spring is not far off.

The first Robin of the season

Results are still coming in, but you can check out what was spotted and where across the globe at The Great Backyard Bird Count.
March 3, 2017 Update: Full result summary can be found at gbbc.birdcount.org/2017-gbbc-summary. Participation rate compared to 2016 was up by thirty percent.