Here are the results of the Spring Bird Count for 2009. The results are mailed to the Non-Game Species Division of the Illinois Department of Conservation. This information improves our understanding of the populations and problems of bird species.

The 2009 count total was 20,613 [18,772 last year] individual birds and 170 different species. This is more than last year's Spring Bird Count (167) and the 2nd best EVER species total. 181 is the highest total number of species for any Spring Bird Count in Winnebago County (1999). Some of the previous year's counts are:

• 1990 - 141 | 2000 - 169
• 1991 - 140 | 2001 - 153
• 1992 - 156 | 2002 - 151
• 1993 - 164 | 2003 - 165
• 1994 - 143 | 2004 - 168
• 1995 - 139 | 2005 - 165
• 1996 - 147 | 2006 - 154
• 1997 - 166 | 2007 - 163
• 1998 - 155 | 2008 - 167
• 1999 - 181 | 2009 - 170

We did not find any Harriers, Bitterns, Cattle Egrets, Kentucky or Mourning Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Wilson's Snipes, Common Nighthawks, or Eurasian Collared Doves.

Species that decreased notably in numbers were Ruddy Ducks, Spotted Sandpipers, Rock Doves, Sedge Wrens, Marsh Wrens, Blue-winged Warblers, Black-and-White Warblers, and Swamp Sparrows.

Notable increases in bird population include [ 2007 | 2008 | 2009 ]:

• Canada Geese [ 766 | 787 | 950 ]
• Blue-winged Teal [ 27 | 71 | 87 ]
• Northern Shoveler [ 4 | 15 | 30 ]
• American White Pelican [ 1 | 0 | 30 ]
• Turkey Vulture [ 84 | 141 | 164 ]
• Herring Gull [ 1 | 3 | 39 ]
• Chimney Swift [ 141 | 162 | 390 ]
• Tree Swallow [ 569 | 691 | 1,201 ]
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow [ 185 | 198 | 385 ]
• Bank Swallow [ 51 | 129 | 177 ]

There were low numbers of shorebirds, vireos, and warblers. The numbers of Blue Jays, American Crows, Black-capped Chickadees, and Eastern Bluebirds did not change significantly.

The Spring Count for next year will be MAY 8th, 2010. Please set aside the date!!

The Spring Counts are coordinated by Jack L. Armstrong who contributed this report.