Back to the BWBS	Annual Summary for 1997
	ASNH Winter Bird Survey

1997 Backyard Winter Bird Survey Results by Dr. Pamela Hunt

The Backyard Winter Bird Survey entered its second decade in 1997, and to honor this milestone we have summarized all the data (and beyond!). That summary is a separate document, and I'll stick to the 1997 data in this letter. A record number of observers participated in the survey this year! Many thanks to all our new watchers. In fact, the total of 1649 is almost twice as many as reported last year. For those of you who didn't report in 1996 because of the miserable conditions; welcome back and hope you stay with us through the next decade! Largely because of the increase in observers, most common feeder species were recorded in record or near record numbers this year. Included in this list are such standards as Mourning Dove, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays (back up from last year's crash), Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, and American Tree Sparrows. However, taking the increase in observers into account, these numbers are not as extraordinary as they seem, and in fact turn out to be downright normal. The separate, long-term summary deals in more detail with the importance of such standardization. We'll simply look at the overall picture in 1997. There were two main themes to the winter of 1996-97, one good and one bad. Let's get the bad news out of the way first. This past winter turns out to have been one of the worst in recent memory for winter finches. Observers in the field as well as at feeders commented on the lack of such species as Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, and their relatives. Given the invasion of Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls in 1995-96, the absence of those species was to be expected, but where was everybody else? The only exception was our state bird, the Purple Finch, which outnumbered House Finches on this survey for the first time since 1992. Purple Finches were widespread last winter throughout New England, so it's not surprising that we had so many here in the northern part of the state. As this is being written, there is indication of another good finch year in the works, so keep those feeders stocked! With the exception of a couple of notable snowstorms and cold snaps, the winter was warm overall, and ranked in the top ten for the last 100 years. As a result, several species of "half-hardies," - birds that winter farther north when conditions are mild - remained in New England well into the winter. While many did not make it into February, there were still a few around on the survey. Most notable were Hermit Thrushes and Eastern Towhees, as well as more sparrows and blackbirds than usual. The mild weather may also have resulted in the single Yellow-rumped Warbler, not to mention the resurgence of Carolina Wrens. Even considering the increase in observers, there is no question that Wild Turkeys are enjoying a population increase in New Hampshire. This year's total is over twice the previous record, strongly suggesting that the reintroduction of this species in the 1970's has succeeded admirably. Turkeys continue to expand northward in the state and should soon be a rare but regular feature even north of the White Mountains. Red-bellied Woodpeckers also continue to do well, with a slight increase over 1996. It would appear that the invasion of this species that occurred in the fall of 1995 has resulted in a successful colonization. With two New Hampshire winters under their belts, it looks like these attractive southern woodpeckers are here to stay. In the random news department, several of the new high totals were of gulls and waterfowl. While not feeder birds per se, these numbers are still interesting. They could reflect either an increase in observers near unfrozen lakes and rivers, or the increase in open water due to the mild winter. On the flip side, there were no Bald Eagles reported this year; perhaps someone forgot to fill their fish feeder on the survey weekend? Finally, there are those sightings that are just a little difficult to classify, but which add a little excitement to the winter for those observers lucky enough to experience them. This year the top honors go to an Ovenbird observed in Swanzey. This bird, the first of its species ever recorded on the survey, had been present throughout the winter. Also recorded for the first time was Spruce Grouse, five of which showed up in Coos County. While it is not a separate species, the Oregon race of the Dark-eyed Junco was also a good find for the state. Wrapping up this pot-pourri of unusual birds are two Northern Saw-whet Owls, yet another record total for the survey. To close, thanks again to all of you who started the second decade of this survey off with such a bang. As participation in this project grows, we can only stand to gain in terms of our understanding of winter bird populations in New Hampshire. Special thanks are also in order for everyone who helped enter this record volume of data, and to those of you who sent in contributions to defray our costs. Now get back out there and fill that feeder; the redpolls are waiting! Dr. P. D. Hunt Consulting Ornithologist