2015 CBC Summary

2015 Skagway CBC -- Saturday, 19 December

Summary

Mild weather greeted us on count day, with temperatures hovering around the freezing point (in the teens at higher elevations). Skies were cloudy, but no precipitation occurred during the count. Most field observers experienced increasing winds in the Skagway valley as the day progressed, peaking with gusts to 40 mph in the early afternoon. At the same time, our participants in the Taiya Valley had calm conditions. Very little snowpack was found at low elevations, a small amount of patchy ice was the only hazard. Overall, one of our more pleasant count days.

Total number of participants was 20, consisting of 16 field observers covering 9 field routes, and 6 feeders watched by 7 people. For the first time we had an owler, John McDermott, who went out twice before dawn attempting to record any of several species, but especially the Great Gray Owl that had been seen in the area. Effort was also normal and we achieved good coverage of our waterfronts, town and valleys, hillside areas, and one high elevation area.

Total species came to 38, tying our previous high species count. In addition, we had 2 count week birds and one hybrid gull. Total individual numbers came to 1154, a bit on the low side of normal. Many field observers commented on the low numbers of overwintering songbirds.

One species, Pine Siskin, was flagged as a low count - when they are present, these flocking birds are usually seen in much higher numbers. Ptarmigan sp. was flagged as a high count, a reflection on our limited access to high elevations. Common Murre was also flagged as a high count; these birds started experiencing difficulties before the count, and after the count significant numbers washed up dead showing signs of starvation.

Greater Scaup and Willow Ptarmigan were new species for our circle. Notable waterbirds included two loons, Pacific and Yellow-billed, and one grebe, Red-Necked. Two owls were recorded, Northern Pygmy Owl on count day, and Northern Hawk Owl during count week. Alas, the owler didn't see or hear any owls before dawn on count day.

- Elaine

species list below - for detailed table of results, see "results by year" at bottom

--- view or download a PDF file of any specific year's results from 2003 to present: results by year

--- view or download a PDF file of multiyear summaries of Skagway CBCs: CBC multi-year results by decade