Back to the BWBS	Annual Summary for 1998
	ASNH Winter Bird Survey

1998 Backyard Winter Bird Survey Results by Dr. Pamela Hunt

Thanks to all who participated in last February's Annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey. All the data have been computerized and the final 1998 results are tabulated. Overall, it was another good year for the survey. Although the number of observers was down significantly, from 1649 in 1997 to an even 1000 in 1998, you all managed to find 74 species of birds, the second highest after last year's 75. In addition, while overall totals of many species are lower this year, they are often actually higher if you adjust them for the number of participants. So with no further ado, let's see what the data have to offer. Weather-wise, the weekend of February 14 and 15 was clear and cold. Observers reported below zero temperatures across the state, with the lowest reported temperature of -20 in Grafton County. For the daily high temperatures, there were no reports above freezing, even near the seacoast. It turns out that this little cold snap was one of the coldest periods of our winter, which was much warmer overall than the New England average -- the fourth highest in 104 years of records. But the cold doesn't seem to have affected the birds to any great degree. Numbers of such feeder regulars as Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinals, nuthatches, Blue Jays, and woodpeckers were quite similar to last year, at least when you take into account the number of observers. Red-breasted Nuthatches gave their second best showing since 1987, much as expected given that large numbers were detected in the fall of '97 indicating an influx from further north. Red-bellied Woodpeckers remained common for the third winter in a row, and showed signs of slight increases in the western and central parts of the state. For many observers, the past winter was most notable for an invasion of winter finches. All species were present, although Purple Finches were relatively scarce. The stars of the invasion, however, were crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, and Common Redpolls. Most of the crossbills were White-winged, and the total of 97 is five times the COMBINED totals for the previous 11 years. Now that's an invasion, and I wouldn't be expecting numbers like this for another ten years! Red Crossbills were much less common, but notable in that this year was only the second time they were recorded on the BWBS. The number of Pine Grosbeaks was also a record, more than double the numbers in the last invasion in 1996. But it was probably the Common Redpolls that observers remember the best, since they are the most likely of these invaders to visit feeders, and they do so in large numbers. Redpolls were the fourth most common species reported, and the total was the third highest in the history of the BWBS. As usual, there were a smattering of miscellaneous sightings that are not easily classifiable. Three new species were added to the overall database: cormorant (species undetermined, but probably Great), American Woodcock, and Orange-crowned Warbler. Close behind were the second records of Red-headed Woodpecker (first was in 1987), Boreal Chickadee, and Spruce Grouse, all of which were from Coos County. American Robins and Eastern Bluebirds hit their second highest totals ever, perhaps a reflection of the generally mild winter, and we had the first Red-winged Blackbirds since 1994, perhaps for the same reason. As usual, many thanks to all of you who participate in this project, which would simply not be possible without you, and we would know a lot less about our winter birds as a result. Additional thanks are due to those of you who sent in a contribution to defray our costs. Now, make sure those feeders are filled and ready for the upcoming survey weekend.