161!!!

Possibly 162, but at the very least Alachua Audubon members who participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) were able to tie or break the previous record of number of different species observed on a CBC.  Way to go everyone!  All the tireless work paid off handsomely.

Just a quick rundown of the highlights.  Black scooters (the first record of this species in Alachua) were observed on Lake Wauberg.  A groove-billed ani was seen on the La Chua trail near the powerline just west of the barn.  Sprague's pipit were seen in the exact same spot as last year's count.  Talk about extreme site fidelity.  10, count 'em 10, ash-throated flycatchers were observed just on Paynes Prairie alone.  An incredible number indeed, as it easily shattered the old record for the CBC.  Least flycatchers and the female vermilion flycatcher were observed on the prairie as well, making it an overall abundant day for empids and Myiarchus species.  3 red-breasted nuthatches were seen (on one tree no less!), which was hoped for, considering they've been seen for the last two months scattered throughout the county. 

Other great observations included canvasback, roseate spoonbill, spotted sandpiper, red-breasted merganser, yellow-breasted chat, wilson's warbler, northern parula, winter wren, limpkin, and lincoln's and le conte's sparrows. 

All in all it was a tremendously rewarding day, and every participant should feel they helped create one of the best CBC's the county has seen.  Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energies for this event.  Now, let's see if we can top it next year!