Rain, Raptors, and Rare Finds: Part Two of the CBC
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a marathon, not a sprint, and for the second half of our adventure on January 4th, I joined the circle of another local chapter, Vashon. While the Vashon circle is an island, its CBC circle extends over the water, landing us in the rain-slicked landscape of Port Orchard.
The "Soggy" Start
Our day began in the pitch black with an owl prowl. If you measure success by the number of owls seen, we failed miserably. If you measure it by how quickly three birders can get "soaking wet," Ken, Ed, and I were champions. We stood in the drizzle for hours, hearing exactly one owl through the patter of raindrops—a lonely reminder that nature doesn't always perform on cue.
However, as the sun finally crested the horizon and the heavy rains shifted to a light mist, the birding didn't just improve; it became spectacular.
Backyard Rarities and Pond Surprises
The highlight of the morning came courtesy of a local resident who graciously allowed us access to his backyard. It was a birding oasis, featuring a sophisticated feeder setup and a tranquil pond.
On the Water: The pond was teeming with Mallards, but tucked among them were several stunning Wood Ducks, their iridescent plumage glowing even in the overcast light.
The Rare Find: While the usual suspects—Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, and Spotted Towhees—crowded the feeders, a sharp eye caught something different: a White-throated Sparrow. This is far from a common sighting in our area during winter, and it drew a quiet cheer from the group.
The Icing on the Cake: As if the rare sparrow wasn't enough, a Merlin decided to join the party, perching atop a nearby treetop to survey the feeders with a predatory eye.
Raptor Alley: The Flooded Fields
The afternoon took us to a local farm, where the owner gave us permission to trek through his fields. This turned out to be the ultimate winter habitat. The flooded sections of the field were a haven for shorebirds; we counted over 20 Wilson’s Snipes expertly camouflaged in the mud, alongside several Killdeer.
But it was the sky that truly stole the show. The raptors were out in force, taking advantage of the clearing weather:
A pair of American Kestrels
A Northern Harrier low-gliding over the grass
Another Merlin (bringing our daily total to two!)
A classic Red-tailed Hawk and a majestic Bald Eagle
This farm is also a "reliable spot" for our resident Brewer’s Blackbirds and a lone Brown-headed Cowbird, rounding out a diverse list of species.
The "Hardcore" Spirit
I had to head out for afternoon commitments, but Ken and Ed continued on, determined to find every last bird hiding in the Port Orchard brush. That man is truly hardcore, embodying the tireless spirit that makes the Christmas Bird Count so vital for conservation.
A huge thank you to the residents and farmers who opened their gates to us. Without private property access and the dedication of volunteers like Ken and Ed, this incredible snapshot of our local bird populations wouldn't be possible.
Until next year—keep your binoculars ready!
