06 February 2008

Results of the 2007 Christmas Bird Count at Great Sand Dunes

Phyllis Pineda Bovin, Compiler

Great Sand Dunes National Park held their annual Christmas Bird Count on December 29, 2007 .  Great Sand Dunes is located in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado .  A total of 8 observers covered over 28 miles (on foot and in vehicle) over a period of about 11.5 party hours.

While the sky was clear and sunny, conditions were frigid, with a minimum temperature of -5 F and a high of 19 F on the day of the count.   Weather for December 2007 had the following distinctions:  it was the wettest (in terms of snowfall), had the lowest average daily high, and was the 3^rd coldest on record.  Because of the amount of snowfall, December lost its title as the driest month at Great Sand Dunes.  That distinction now falls to February. 

Much snow cover remained (and still remains) on the ground over the sand sheet and pinyon-juniper zone throughout the month making foot travel difficult.  Most years snow cover does not remain long in this zone.  Snow cover ranged up to 28 inches in depth, and higher in the canyons.   This snow cover discouraged observers from entering gulches, foothills canyons and mountain trails which are normally covered in the bird count.

Numbers of species and observations were fairly low compared to past CBCs.  A total of 20 species were observed, with documentation of about 280 individuals.  It is general opinion that because of the snow cover, numbers of species and individual bird counts were down.  Among the most often observed birds were Pinyon Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos, Mountain Chickadees, and Horned Larks.  The best bird species observed during the day were 4 pine grosbeaks (3 males and 1 female).

The compiled information was uploaded into the National Audubon Society’s database for inclusion in the results of the 108^th Christmas Bird Count (www.audubon.org – go to “Birds and Science, Citizen Science”, then click on Christmas Bird Count).

Thank you to all the die-hards who participated!  Indeed, you came to join us during unfavorable weather and observation conditions, but it was worth it!  Friend of the Dunes sponsored this event by paying the participant fees.  Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit citizen’s support group for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.  This organization encourages development of educational programs and recreational opportunities for Great Sand Dunes Visitors.