Reports

Christmas Bird Count and annual birdathon

Anza-Borrego Institute is proud to sponsor the annual Anza-Borrego Desert Christmas Bird Count (CBC).  On December 20, staff and volunteers generously provided a chili-and-cornbread lunch for the counters who assembled for the compilation meeting at the Visitor Center.

81 participants enjoyed mild weather and recorded 119 distinct species, third in number behind only 2005 (with 124 species) and 2004 (120 species).  One of the participants was a French wildlife photographer.

Last year we reported a sharp decline in the number of wintering White-crowned Sparrows, but the data show that this species rebounded nicely to once again be the most numerous bird of the count.  The ubiquitous House Finch ranked second, followed by White-winged Dove.

Unusual birds for our valley included Ross's and Snow Goose, Snowy Egret, Cassin's and Plumbeous Vireo, plus our first wintering Hooded Oriole.

Christmas Bird Counts are of high value to our long-term knowledge of bird populations.  Anza-Borrego Foundation supports these studies by paying the Audubon-required participant fees. 

Click here to read Bob Theriault's report of the April 2011 Birdathon

Bighorn Sheep Count

The 40th Anniversary Sheep Count is in the books. Lots of bighorn observed and all counters returned safely. This year we tallied 255 bighorn, compared to last year's 354. The weather was hot on Day One and moderate the other two days. One site in Lower Tubb Canyon spotted a mountain lion through the spotting scope, which is a rare observation for the sheep count!  Click here to read about one volunteer's first experience as a counter.

Click here to view detailed 2010 Sheep Count results
 

2009 Hawkwatch Summary

2009, our seventh year, was definitely a low year for both Swainson's Hawks and Turkey Vultures. You can view our Spring 2009 totals by clicking here. 

We will review weather data and check food resources from the past few years to determine if there is a connection with the low numbers. It's hard to say what factors may have contributed to the low Swainson's numbers. We look forward to another successful count next season!

Click here to see Hal's daily reports of sightings from 2009.