by Will Cook
The Chapel Hill spring count on Saturday, May 7, 2022, recorded 122 species and 7734 individual birds, both near the average for the past 10 counts (121.3 species, 8177 individuals). Effort on the count was slightly below average, with 112.5 party hours (average 125.7) and 36 counters in 19 parties (average 39 counters, 20 parties). The number of birds per party hour, 68.8, was a little above the average of 65.1. The count was blessed with beautiful weather and a good diversity of migrant warblers (24 species compared to an average of 20.8).
The highlights of the count were our third Anhinga (Will Cook at the NC 751 access of the Jordan Lake game land) and our 7th Tennessee Warbler (Jin Bai). Other goodies included Lesser Yellowlegs, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Palm Warbler, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
We set two record highs: 83 Fish Crows (average 53.2) and 38 Swainson's Thrushes (avg 14.5); 62 American Redstarts (avg 39.5) was the highest since 2005.
Several species were recorded in very low numbers: 24 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (avg 38.8, lowest since 1995), 8 Northern Flickers (avg 13.8, lowest since 1974), 13 Pileated Woodpeckers (avg 23.9), 94 Common Grackles (avg 163, lowest since 1969), 40 Ovenbird (avg 95, lowest since 1987). The biggest miss was Blue-headed Vireo, surprising considering the record high the year before.
Team honors: Jan Hansen, covering the University Lake area, led the field with 86 species. Tom Driscoll and his team counted the most individual birds, with 860.
Weather in brief: low 51F, high 73F; wind W 0-8 mph; fair, no rain.
Thanks to all counters for their efforts!
Detailed Results (PDF format)