“Feathered Frenzy” 2012

Sullivan County Audubon members took part in the club's annual "Feathered Frenzy" on Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12. This year, we had a total of six teams with 12 hardy souls braving the elements. Sunday, February 12 was especially brutal with high winds and temps in the teens and below. Close your eyes and imagine yourself on Haven Road looking for ducks with the temperature at 10º and winds of approximately 40 mph at times. We really did have a great time!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Scott Baldinger (Deb Powell & Lee Hunter) with a top score of 54 species. Scott's team had the only Bufflehead, Grackle, Rough-legged Hawk, Screech Owl and Flicker. John Haas' Saturday team had the next highest score with 49 birds. Other scores were 45, 41 and 40.

The six teams had a combined total of 64 species (surpassed only in 2009 by 65 species). This was our 15th Feathered Frenzy with three new species reported this year: American Wigeon, Fish Crow and White-winged Crossbill.

In addition to the winning team, the following birders participated:  John Haas, Arlene Borko and Lance Verderame on Sat; John and Arlene on Sunday; Ruth Shursky and Ruth McKeon; Marge Gorton and Renee Davis; Valerie Freer and Mary Collier.

We enjoyed the countdown Sunday night at Ruth Shursky's house, as we thawed out and warmed our frozen body parts, after braving the elements searching for our feathered (and sometimes very elusive) winter friends.

Ruth McKeon
Warblings, Spring 2012