by Bob Henschel

This year the Great Backyard Bird Count, conducted once again at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center from February 15-18, provided some interesting and unprecedented highlights.

The overall count for the four-day event was 39 different birds, about average for the mid-winter census that has tallied between 33 and 43 species each year since Monmouth County Audubon made it an annual project. The weather was particularly bland — no snow, no severe cold, and no ice to either concentrate birds on the lake or force them to take advantage of the feeders. White-throated and Tree Sparrows were absent for the first time ever, our cardinal total was only two, and a lone Blue Jay made just a one-day appearance. Waterfowl numbers were down as well, with Black Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon and Hooded Mergansers nowhere in sight.

On the other hand, our cumulative GBBC total increased by 5 to 59 species. Three of those — Common Loon, Mute Swan and Common Grackle — were somewhat “ordinary.” In addition, a Pine Warbler that has visited the center’s feeders daily for several months made an appearance. Most exciting were the Common Redpolls, seen each of the four days. You’d have to travel several hundred miles to visit where our red-capped, black-chinned Canadian visitors were born.

Those participating in the count on February 17 were also able to see our Bald Eagle parents feed the first eaglet born in New Jersey this year. Even more amazing is that — as best anyone knows — it’s the earliest recorded NJ eagle hatching since records were kept. Then, after several days of speculation, a sibling was confirmed on February 27. If you would like to see them, the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is open 7 days a week, free of charge, from 10am to 5pm.

To view nationwide results of the GBBC “Citizen Science” project go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Here are the results from our "count headquarters" at the Manasquan Reservoir.
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