Date: 1/6/25 7:05 am From: Marc Ribaudo (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Mattamuskeet CBC
The Mattamuskeet Christmas Bird Count was held on December29, 2024. The day was unseasonably warm,ranging from 55 to 70 degrees. Themorning was clear with little wind. During the afternoon a front moved in, bringing clouds and wind gust of25 mph. There was no frozen water. We had 17 observers in 8 parties. We found 149 species, above our 40-yearaverage of 143 and the most totaled in 12 years. Total birds counted were about 107,500.
An important factor impacting the count was the passing ofJohn Fussell. I learned of his deathjust before the count and was unable to muster resources to cover hissector. Over the many years John hadparticipated in the count he had developed relationships with landowners in hissector that enabled him to explore lands that would ordinarily beinaccessible. I can only guess what Johnwould have found. Count totals reflecthis absence.
The weeks leading up to the count were relatively dry, sostanding water was absent from agricultural fields. This removed habitat that in the past hadattracted many shorebirds and other waders. Shorebird numbers and diversity were therefore bit low. Another factor impacting the count is thecontinuing decline in the quality of the lake habitat for waterfowl. When the lake was healthy, it was teemingwith thick stands of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that provided food forthe wintering waterfowl. Over the yearsnutrient runoff from surrounding farms and the introduction of invasive carphave seriously reduced SAV, removing an important food source forwaterfowl. Our results reflect thedeclines in wintering waterfowl on the lake, particularly geese, swans, anddivers. Nevertheless, many of theimpoundments in the vicinity of the lake were well populated with dabblers.
We missed only 3 species that are regularly found: Canvasback (32 out of previous 42 years),Northern Bobwhite (35/42), and House Finch (35/42). It’s the second consecutive year withoutHouse Finch or Canvasback. High countswere set for Eurasian Wigeon (8), Lesser Black-backed Gull (5), Eurasian Collared-Dove(4), and Barred Owl (7). Low counts wereset for Mallard (53) and Red-tailed Hawk (4). The most unusual sightings were: EurasianCollared-Dove by Sandy Cash and Haven and Minna Wiley (seen 2 times theprevious 42 years), Lesser Black-backed Gull by Brian Bockhahn and Kyle Kittelberger(3/42), Nelson’s Sparrow by Brian Bockhahn and Kyle Kittelberger (6/42),Nashville Warbler by Sandy Cash (6/42), Seaside Sparrow by Brian Bockhahn andKyle Kittelberger (7/42), Cackling Goose by Haven and Minna Wiley (7/42), andAnhinga (9/42) by Norm Budnitz, Noah Rokoske, Mike Shultz, and Patsy Bailey andSandy Cash. Count week bird wasBaltimore Oriole.
Thanks to all our counters who did a wonderful job beating the bushes.
