Phil Johnson had the following to report on our local Christmas Counts:

Oroville: We were blessed with good weather on our count day.  Eight participants showed up and got 121 species total. “Off of the list” birds included Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Raven, Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Chickadee and Canyon Wren. New to the count were Cassin's Finch and Blue-winged Teal.

This year’s highlight was Bill Haas and Lariann Baretta bringing to the compilation a live Northern Pygmy Owl that they had found by the side of the road. The bird is recovering and is reported to be doing well.  The Peregrine Falcons were located on the 162 bridge on Lake Oroville.  Blue-winged Teals (male & female) were seen on the Afterbay.  We had a record high for Tricolored Blackbirds (3605) seen on Lake Wayandotte tules. Robins were hard to find.

Chico: We lucked out and got some fairly nice weather for most of the day.  Turnout was good and we were able to cover the area fairly well.  The Oxidation Ponds have been drained, which really cut down on the duck numbers. They plan on putting solar panels in the first part of the first pond, but we can expect water next year.  Most of the rice fields in our area are currently dry as well.  Here are the results: Total species: 120. “Off the list”: Winter Wren, Osprey and Western Tanager. Other birds of note included a Northern Flicker that was Red Shafted with a black malar stripe, and an apparent Sapsucker hybrid that had both Red-breasted and Red-naped markings. Eleven Bald Eagles were also seen.

This Year is our 50th Anniversary and I would like to make it the biggest count ever. I will keep you posted.  If anyone would like to host the compilation at their house next year or know anyone who might, it would be great.  You don't have to do the food, just open your home.   Thanks for all of those who showed up to count this year!