Submitted by Joe Coleman and Bryan Henson
While December 29 started out promising (with comfortable winter temperatures, light winds, and some drizzle), the weather quickly deteriorated around lunch. By early afternoon, there were wind gusts well over 30mph, and most birds had disappeared. Shortly thereafter, most of the counters did, too. The result was a count below our average in both species found (87) and individuals observed (27,439) despite 158 observers (our third highest number ever).
The most impressive find of the count came from our team at the Landfill, which found and photographed three Iceland Gulls. On last year’s Christmas Bird Count, only three Iceland Gulls were found in the entire state, so finding three in one location is fantastic!
While the number of 70 Bald Eagles is well below our high of 91 in 2023, it is the second highest in our almost 30-year history. Unfortunately, the number of Red-shouldered Hawks (66) and Red-tailed Hawks (34) was far below what we usually find. That may be because very few teams stayed out after the winds started gusting in the afternoon.
We were pleased to find all three falcon species on this CBC for the fourth year in a row. While the two Peregrine Falcons and the two Merlins were not high counts, and American Kestrel numbers continue to trend lower than in our earlier years, all now appear to be regulars in the County, at least in the winter.
The following species, found on half (or less) of our previous counts, were also observed this year:
- 1 Wood Duck
- 1 Red-breasted Merganser
- 2 Peregrines
- 2 Pine Siskins
Since Red-breasted Nuthatches are not found every year, we were pleased to find 12 on this year’s count.
Because of the efforts of the observers, we now have almost 30 years of data showing bird populations and how they have changed over the years.
Three groups are invaluable to the success of the count: the sector and team leaders, the many participants who join those leaders in the field, and the numerous landowners who give us permission to visit their properties. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy thanks all of them as, without them, this count would not be the success it has been for so many years.
We look forward to seeing you for next year’s Christmas Bird Count, which will take place on Monday, December 28, 2026.
To all who made the 2025 CBC possible, THANK YOU!
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