Forty volunteers turned out for a cold but clear day to participate in the Barr Lake Christmas Bird Count on Jan. 4, 2013.
Volunteers met that morning at the Old Stone House Environmental Learning Center, the headquarters of count sponsor Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. The observer turnout, aided by one feeder counter, was the highest ever for the Barr Lake count. Participation by RMBO board members, staff and volunteers helped boost this great turnout.
Observers brave a cold morning at Barr Lake northeast of Denver, Colorado, to count birds. Photo by Emily Snode.
Despite most open water being frozen, observers in nine parties turned up 76 species, including two that were new for the Barr Lake count. An Eastern Towhee and a Red Fox Sparrow were count firsts. High counts included Snow Goose (40), Ross’s Goose (8), Cackling Goose (9505), Canada Goose (14,698), Red-tailed Hawk (123), Rock Pigeon (793), Eurasian Collared-Dove (795) and White-breasted Nuthatch (10).
A group including Chuck Aid and Bob Andrews the day following the count added Snow Bunting (15) as a count week species.
Thanks to all who turned out to make this a successful count!
~ Chuck Hundertmark, Compiler, Barr Lake Christmas Bird Count
