The 2007 John Martin Reservoir Christmas bird count took place on December 18th. With seventeen participants, there was thorough and expert coverage of all segments of the circle. As a result, the count produced 111 species, tying the record high for the count. Six new species were added for the count: Greater White-fronted Goose, White-winged Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Mountain Chickadee (seen by five of the seven parties!), Lark Bunting and Vesper Sparrow.

 

Every party added multiple unique species to the count (very rewarding to the compiler). The highlight of the count was the incredible number of birds on the reservoir, the great diversity of birds on the reservoir, and the excellent viewing conditions. For example, we had eight species of Gulls (over 100 Bonaparte's, Ring-billed, California , Herring, Thayer's, Lesser Black-backed, Glaucous (1) and Great Black-backed (1). The duck diversity was spectacular, highlighted by two Black Scoters, one White-winged Scoter and three Long-tailed Ducks. Only a few grebes remained, but a flock of 21 Eared Grebes this late was remarkable.

 

The cold snap got rid of shorebird habitat, and we missed Wilson's Snipe and Killdeer for the first time. Ironically, a restless flock of four Greater Yellowlegs was spotted as they searched over the edge of the ice for a beach on which to land.

 

The count suffered some from lingering effects of the brutal winter of 2006-2007, as resident species on the edge of their range were either very rare (Scaled Quail and Northern Bobwhite) or totally absent (Barn Owl, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Greater Roadrunner, Canyon Wren). Marsh birds were scarce. I believe many migratory marsh birds that individually winter annually here died last winter, and that explains their low numbers or absence this winter. In addition, some lowland species subject to West Nile Disease are still conspicuously absent (especially Black-capped Chickadee). Some year when everything aligns correctly, a really big count seems inevitable in this area. I can't wait.

 

Duane Nelson

Las Animas, Bent County, CO