The 14th annual CBC in Loveland was a great success on Wednesday (Jan 1, 2014), despite massive habitat changes due to the Big Thompson River flood in September 2013 and unsettled weather (periods of high winds and snowfall that had not been forecast). A record number of participants (65) found a record number of birds (more than 45,000). Surprisingly, a record number of species was registered - 102 plus 3 more (Barrow's Goldeneye, Eastern Bluebird and Evening Grosbeak) during Count Week (which ends this Saturday). Highlights were 35 owls of 6 species, 5 rare gull species (Iceland, Mew, Lesser Black-backed, Thayer's, California), Greater White-fronted Goose, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Dusky Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasant, Clark's Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, White-throated Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch and 3 species of rosy-finch. Twenty-eight species reached new high counts. Big misses were Snow Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Goshawk, Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, Brewer's Blackbird, and for the first time ever, Cedar Waxwing. Some feeder reports and count week species may yet trickle in. Many thanks to our sponsors (Fort Collis Audubon Society, Sylvan Dale Ranch and Quetzal Tours) and our supporters (Larimer County Natural Resources Dept. and the City of Loveland), and to all the participants.
Nick Komar, Loveland CBC compiler
Fort Collins CO
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