Contests & Special Counts

Sullivan's Big Sit 2014

We did it again. The thought of birding while staying within a 17 foot circle seems to be a little crazy to some people, but to many Sullivan Audubon members it’s a great day of fun, food and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Anticipation of what bird might show up next is often met with joy, but there are many disappointments too. How can each year vary so much? Each year, of which this was our sixth year, we have continued to add birds to our overall list.

Thanks to keen-eyed Truth Muller for spotting a Common Grackle this year, our total is now up to 77 species. This year we counted 44 species from our little circle. Not bad when you think of what we were doing.

Some of the highlights were Merlin, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, both Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, many Yellow-rumped Warblers along with Palm Warblers, 6 species of sparrows, and Pine Siskins. Throw in a few woodpeckers, waterfowl, passerines and finches and we were very busy keeping track of what we heard and saw! Overhead we counted 766 Canadian Geese that were heading south to warmer climates. Many were so high they were difficult to see, even though we could hear them honking.

I’d like to thank everyone who participated in making this another great event for Sullivan Audubon. Mark your calendars, same time, same place next year.

                                                                                                                           — Renee Davis

Big Sit 2012 . . . #4

Wow, what a year! Who could have imagined that one could see so many birds sitting in a 17' circle? Well, a total of eighteen people were there at sometime during the day and witnessed it. The weather stayed on our side as showers were a possibility, but they stayed clear of us. Last year it was so hot we sat under umbrellas to keep cool, but this year it was comfortable.

In the morning we had several waves of mixed species flocks come through. The bird list grew very fast with each flock. I have to say it was exciting. Then add a Peregrine Falcon flying up the middle of the "Bash" and see what that does to your blood pressure!

During the day many visitors came and went. I would like to thank them all for showing their support. A great group of Sullivan Audubon spotters put the day "over the top". It's nice when a good group of people get together and have fun. I love it!

I think this year will be hard to top. Every spotter added new birds to our list bringing our day's total to 55 species. A few of the new 14 species added to our overall list were Peregrine Falcon, Screech Owl, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bay-breasted Warbler and Pine Siskins. Our highest previous total was in 2010 with 45 species, this year blew that away! Over the years, we are now up to 72 species counted in that circle just by staying put. Who would have thunk-it! Please join us next year, same time- same place. (See photos this issue.)

                                                                                                                           — Renee Davis