I don’t need to repeat the weather report for you. Miserable, followed by a lot of snow. Nevertheless, almost 40 people went out and counted birds, and we are very grateful to them for their effort.

I have not yet received 2 field team reports and 6-8 feeder reports, but, so far, the CBC has recorded 71 species, quite a remarkable total. Highlights are Merlin, Chipping and Savannah Sparrows, 4 species of blackbirds, Hermit Thrush, E. Bluebirds, Killdeer, and a plethora of Bald Eagles and Winter Wrens (there is the big and small of it!).

I expect that the Count will exceed its high count with several species. Despite the deep snow and cold weather, the counters found a remarkable number of passerines, no doubt trapped by the weather. They were almost all at feeders or in sheltered areas with open water. One team managed to survey a great deal of its territory on cross-country skis!!

Thank you to everyone who participated. I will post the final totals when I receive all of the reports. You will also be able to find them in the Sinnissippi Audubon newsletter and, maybe, in the Rockford Register Star.