“Even though some of us had to deal with fog, in addition to the pandemic, the Bridgeport area might be one of the best birding spots in eastern Washington,” Schroeder wrote.
This year’s count recorded 101 species among the estimated 321,540 birds counted, a number nearly 9,000 above the long-term average. As the accompanying chart shows the figures also include minimum, maximum, and average numbers for the past 25 years combined.
“Forty-four species have been observed every year and 159 species have been observed at least once on count day (not counting nine species only observed during the count week),” wrote Schroeder. “We added three new species this year.”
Notable increases were reported among common loon, horned grebe, greater scaup, hooded merganser, scaup (both species combined), ruddy duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, hooded merganser, long-eared owl, belted kingfisher, American crow, white-breasted nuthatch, song sparrow, and pine siskin.
“A few of the birds that declined included ring-necked duck, California quail, horned lark, American robin, waxwings (both species combined), and red crossbill,” wrote Schroeder. “One of our favorites, sharp-tailed grouse, was observed in multiple locations, despite this year’s wildfire.”
In a note of condolence and recognition, Schroeder mentioned that long-time participant Rick Hendrick passed away 10 days prior to this season’s count.
“Rick participated in the first 24 counts and was always at home when chasing an elusive species, building and monitoring nest boxes, restoring habitat, and feeding birds,” wrote Schroeder. “Rick was a Vietnam vet (Bronze Star and Purple Heart), a Volunteer of the Year for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a beekeeper.”
Schroeder added that despite Hendrick’s passing, participants were able to enjoy some of the fruits of his labor thanks to the honey he provided.
“We will think of Rick when we peruse the books from his bird library,” wrote Schroeder. “He is going to be greatly missed by all of us.”
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