Cedar Valley Christmas Bird Count provides updated wildlife data

Eagle Mountain recently wrapped up its third year participating in the Christmas Bird Count as part of a national community science effort organized by the National Audubon Society.

Preliminary results from this year’s count offer an intriguing snapshot of local bird populations.

Participants observed a total of 60 species and 2,792 individual birds in the Cedar Valley circle, which includes much of Eagle Mountain. Notably, non-native exotic birds accounted for 38% of the total, with 1,036 individuals recorded.

Among native species, Canada geese claimed the top spot, with 331 sightings. Common ravens followed in second place, with 140 individuals counted. The event also yielded sightings of unique and unexpected species, including:

• Coolest Bird: Two Merlins, one of which was photographed.
• Unusual for the Season: A Say’s phoebe, typically not seen this time of year.
• Honorable Mention: An American bald eagle, a regal reminder of the area’s rich natural heritage.

“This year’s numbers are a bit lower than expected because many winter visitors haven’t arrived yet due to the weather,” said Eagle Mountain Wildlife Biologist Todd Black.

That change can largely be attributed to mild temperatures and a lack of accumulated snowfall in Cedar Valley.

The Christmas Bird Count, now in its 124th year, began in 1900 when conservationist Frank Chapman proposed replacing the traditional Christmas bird hunt with an early-winter census. Today, it serves as a critical resource for studying long-term trends in bird populations and assessing the impact of environmental changes and urban development on local wildlife.

Black organized this year’s effort within the Cedar Valley circle, a 15-mile radius area that captures Eagle Mountain’s diverse habitats. Volunteers of all experience levels participated, with newcomers pairing up with seasoned birders to tally every bird seen or heard.

“It’s a great program and a fun way to get out and enjoy birds and nature,” said Black. “The data collected not only contributes to national research but also helps us understand the dynamics of our local ecosystems.”

The CBC provides a unique opportunity for residents to engage in conservation while connecting with nature.