The 66th Cedar Creek Bog Christmas Bird Count was conducted on Sunday, December 18, 2011 under unseasonably balmy conditions, perhaps the warmest count on record for Cedar Creek. While lakes were frozen thick, the streams were flowing, and the ground was free of snow. The 45 species (+ 2 count week), represents the highest species count recorded in the counts. Still, the total count of birds was not impressive and most counters felt the numbers were low.
Interesting birds found included Northern Goshawk, Common Raven (regular on this count), Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and White-winged Crossbills. Five species established new high count including Northern Shrike (10), and four of our woodpeckers.
Most remarkable was the number of our most common woodpecker, the Red-headed Woodpecker with 56 individuals counted. All of these birds, I believe, were within the Cedar Creek Natural History Area. This record is almost twice the previous high count. Thanks to all who participated in the count.
