114th CBC Alaska Regional Summary

By R.L. (Buzz) Scher

Each year I struggle to appropriately preface the summary of the Alaska Christmas Bird Counts, especially considering the area covered, from Prudhoe Bay on the arctic coast to Ketchikan near British Columbia to Shemya in the far western Aleutian Islands, nearly spans between all borders of the contiguous United States. However, the story of the 2013-2014 season was captured best by Andy Piston, the compiler at Ketchikan, who wrote: “Some people felt that this was one of the most pleasant Christmas Bird Counts they had ever experienced, but those were primarily people who stayed home drinking cocoa and playing games with family and friends”. While it wasn’t really that bad everywhere, challenging weather conditions during many of the counts most certainly contributed to the low total number of species (139, plus 8 cw) and individual birds (124,854) for the region, both below the respective 5-year running averages; despite excellent coverage with 37 counts (=5-year average) and a record number of total participants (1096, including feeder watchers) covering over 4920 party-miles (using 10 forms of transportation, including less traditional ATVs, dog sled, ‘fat-tire’ bicycles, and kayaks). That said the following summarizes the more noteworthy aspects of the Alaska counts, grouped by subregions sharing similar winter climates and geographic environments.

The 10 counts completed in southeastern Alaska recorded 105 species (plus 9 cw) and 44,069 individual birds. The most species (69, plus 7 cw) and individuals (10,783) were recorded at Juneau; while Sitka had the most participants (52). At least five of the counts experienced high winds and heavy rain. New to any Alaska CBC were two count-week Virginia Rails at Glacier Bay. New high counts for the entire State were established for Canada Goose (2126 at Juneau), Eurasian Collared-Dove (78 at Ketchikan – this species was also recorded on six other counts in the subregion), Anna’s Hummingbird (6! at Sitka), Red-breasted Sapsucker (16 at Mitkof Island), and Dark-eyed Junco (948 at Ketchikan). And a new subregion high count was set for Black Oystercatcher (49 at Sitka).

In southcoastal Alaska 10 counts recorded 112 species (plus 7 cw) and 59,884 individual birds. Kodiak recorded the most species (77, plus 2 cw), while Anchorage tallied the most individuals (23,350) and had the most participants (133). The highlight of the season was a most remarkable count-week Common Yellowthroat at Narrow Cape; new to all Alaska counts, the latest State record ever, and the only warbler found this year in the entire region. Two species were also found for the first time on a CBC in this subregion including a Ruddy Turnstone at Kodiak, only the second found on any Alaska CBC, and a Swamp Sparrow at Seward; both casual in winter. A new high count for the State was established for Snow Bunting (800 at Soldotna – I will go out on the limb here and suggest that is not an absolute number). New high counts for the subregion were set for Emperor Goose (785 at Kodiak) and American Robin (304 at Anchorage). Other interesting finds included all three ptarmigan species at Eagle River (the only count in North America where that has occurred, including twice before), and a Mourning Dove at Homer and a Chipping Sparrow at Anchorage (both species are casual in Alaska in winter). Finally, rubbing salt in a wound, the Dusky Thrush, which has wintered at Anchorage the last three years (including 2013-2014), disappeared and could not be found even during the count week.

Four counts were completed in southwestern Alaska were 54 species (plus 3 cw) and 12,090 individual birds were recorded. The honors for most species (38, plus 2 cw), individuals (8066), and participants (28) again went to Unalaska. New region high counts were established for Black Scoter (891 at Unalaska), Belted Kingfisher (5 at Unalaska), Northern Shrike (4 at King Salmon-Naknek), and White-crowned Sparrow (2 at King Salmon-Naknek).

And in the remaining (frigid) central, western and northern parts of Alaska, 13 counts involving 323 participants tallied 39 (plus 3 cw) species and 8811 individuals. Sadly, after a continuous run of 26 years, no count was performed at Prudhoe Bay – here’s hoping SB21 will “stimulate” that circle’s return this coming winter [the Alaska readers will understand]. Temperatures barely got above 0 ºF on at least on at least five of the counts – how about a ‘reality’ TV show of the bird nuts who count birds in the interior in winter! Fairbanks counted the most species (21, plus 4 cw) and individuals (4646), and involved the most participants (107). Remarkable and mind-boggling was a White-throated Sparrow at Bethel; where previously two spent the winter in 2010 (look at a map!). And new subregion high counts were set for Gyrfalcon (2 at Nome), and Bohemian Waxwing (513 at Fairbanks).

Here’s hoping for a really fun and successful 115^th CBC season, even in Ketchikan.