Bird census ties record count for species

Lynchburg’s 36th annual breeding bird census, which took place during the first weekend of June, produced a total of 107 species — a tie for our all-time high count for number of species.

In fact, this is only the fourth time that we have recorded more than 105 species on this census.

The impressive results, which were mailed to all participants last week, are due, in part, to the fact that we managed to find three species that had never been reported before on the survey. Peggy Lyons and JoAnne Pierce spotted a Mississippi kite near Percival’s Island. This raptor has been expanding its range to the north, and it may not be too long before we discover breeding evidence in our area.

Rexanne Bruno had a lingering pine siskin at her feeder, and Jo Wood saw a western grebe on Summit Lake.

The value of this type of survey is that it provides long-range monitoring of species, both common and rare birds, so that we can determine changes in the population. Initiated in 1974 by Myriam Moore, the format of this summer census is similar to the well-known December Christmas Count. Instead of wintering populations, though, we attempt to gather information about the nesting birds in the region.

Over the years, a number of changes have been observed.

On the positive side, we now have breeding bald eagles along the James River. Some of the species that are considered common, such as house finch and Canada goose, were absent or only found in very small numbers during the early years.

Other birds have not fared so well. In 1974, we counted 168 bobwhite; this year we located 10. The loggerhead shrike, found in small numbers for the first 10 years of the census, has not been reported since 1999. The Bewick’s wren once nested near Lynchburg and has now disappeared completely, not only from Virginia, but also throughout much of its eastern range.

It is also important to keep track of the species that we consider common, those birds that appear in our yards and around the neighborhoods. The numbers for some of these species, such as bluebirds (235), ruby-throated hummingbirds (20) and red-bellied woodpeckers (99), all look good.

Many thanks to the compiler, Gene Sattler, all of the participants who spent hours in the field, and the landowners who graciously allow access to their property.

News and notes
During the past few weeks, two species have appeared in Virginia that had not been previously documented in the state. From June 15 through 19, a roseate spoonbill visited a flooded cornfield in Waynesboro. At least three members from the Lynchburg Bird Club drove up to see that bird. On June 27, a violet-crowned hummingbird was reported from Craig County. By the time this appears in print, I hope to have seen it!