Petersburg birdwatchers recorded hundreds of birds in the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, an annual citizen science count of birds in North America. The island community recorded the highest number of birds recorded in the last few years.
The sun’s rays cut through the misty morning on Hungry Point, a recreation area along the northern coast of Petersburg. A group of scoters was bobbling in the waves. They’re huge dark sea ducks, with white markings on their faces. Brad Hunter had his spotting scope focused on these ducks.
“So there are three kinds of scooters: surf white wings, and black” Hunter said. Hunter. “The top two of them are the most common types we’ve got hereand those with black wheels are those that communicate the most. You know they’re out on the streets because you are hearing them.”
Hunter didn’t require a sophisticated camera — and his eyes to determine what kinds of birds are in the area. He is able to identify a wide variety of species that inhabit the area through only sound.
“Actually being in a position to be able to hear birds’ calls is an essential aspect of determining what species are available,” said Hunter. “Visually being able to see them is an important aspect, but however, the moment you listen to their chirp and hear their songis crucial.”
…Even when the song is interrupted by wildlife. Sea lions frequently shouted over the scoter’s calls.
Hunter has been compiling Mitkof Island’s Christmas Bird Count data for the Audubon Society since the mid-90s. Hunter said that the group of roughly twelve Petersburg birders had an impressive number of birds this year. Hunter is still working on the figures, but according to his latest count the group had accumulated a less than 9,000 birds across the island, and that’s just in just one day.
“I consider it to be fascinating,” said Hunter. “It’s notable!”
It’s not only the amount that makes Hunter so thrilled. Hunter and his team also observed an impressive number of species this year’s count, which was the number was 61, which is up from their previous record of 57. Hunter stated that the air was filled with seabirds that were not common this year.
“There’s also a few seabirds here that aren’t gone,” said Hunter. “We generally don’t see Bonaparte Gulls during this Christmas Bird Count. However, this year we were blessed with a lot of these.”
He’s not sure what caused the influx of birds spotted this winter. His most likely theory is that recent warm weather may be a factor.
“We think that there were some of the birds could have gone South in the event that ice been formed as well as lakes and ponds, were frozen,” said Hunter. “[Butthey’ve been around for longer than usual.”
The pattern of climate called El Nino is cycling warmer water across Southeast Alaska. The resultant calm and unseasonably warm weather makes it much easier for birdwatchers in Petersburg to stay longer. Hunter says his group has faced more difficult conditions to count in the past.
“We’ve experienced a variety of horrible weather days in the lead-up to christmas Bird Count,” said Hunter. “It’s difficult to pick one as the most sour… However, there have been some very bad days where it’s blowing for 30-40 minutes and even snowing with rain. The roads can be slippery, with deep snow can be a challenge at times.”
Weather-wise, or not, Hunter said the count is essential for Hunter. He said the count is important to. The reason is because the information that birders gather will help scientists learn more about how populations of birds are changing and eventually the best way to safeguard the birds. He added that the study of the birds that inhabit the region is also important to him.
“I find it fascinating and exciting to keep learning and pushing myself to learn more about them and, in particular, discovering more about them in the world around me,” said Hunter. “Some people travel across the globe to see the variety of species they locate. My goal for myself is to find out how many species I will find in my home.”
That’s why he keeps returning each year.
