In follow-up to the original Christmas Bird Count (CBC) story we posted earlier in December, we can now report on the findings of this year’s count.  These results were shared with me by Chris Krintzline, the official Compiler for our circle.  As you may recall, a reporting area is defined by a 15-mile diameter area known as a “circle”.  There are about a dozen circles in the northwest Ohio area.  These circles are designated by the Compiler.

This year’s count took place on December 17^th and, according to Krintzline, there were 22 volunteers who took part in our circle’s count.  Krintzline was pleased with the number of participants this year, as it surpassed the number of volunteers that assisted in the 2021 CBC.

Now for the results.  52 different bird species were identified by the participants.  Of these 52 species there were three “rare” species that were observed during the count; the Northern Shrike, Black-Crowned Night Heron, and the Great Egret.  I am not quite sure what constitutes “rare” for a bird species but I presume it is a species that is not typically observed in our area.

Now, I’m not the greatest birder, in that, my last educational exposure to bird identification took place in Dr. Hintz’s Ornithology class at Heidelberg College (that’s right, it was Heidelberg College in 1976) but he was a patient and passionate professor of all things feathered.  My point being, I would be quite able to make accurate identification of many common bird species and, if a questionable ID arises, a camera would aid in obtaining a second opinion.

If you are interested in participating in next year’s CBC, you may contact Mr. Krintzline prior to the December CBC at [email protected].  He will be able to provide you with all information you will need to take part in a rather historic, volunteer birder effort.