Grays Harbor Christmas Bird Count 2007 Summary
By Tim O'Brien

The Grays Harbor Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for 2007 was held on Saturday, December 29th. This was the first year without Bob Morse as the compiler for the count. We want to thank Bob for his many years of coordinating this count. Tim O'Brien of Elma and Dianna Moore of Ocean Shores took over as the new co-compilers this year. The count had over 20 participants from all across western Washington that took to the field for a full day of counting birds in specific areas inside the 15 mile diameter count circle. The weather for the day started out nice with a dry, but chilly morning which then turned over to rain showers starting around 11am.

The day was busy with lots of bird activity. At the post count tally dinner at the Aberdeen Pizza Hut, the counters converged to share stories of the day and to listen to what everyone else found in their areas. The preliminary total number of species seen during the count is currently at 134 species.

Some of the more interesting sightings found during the count include:

• Slaty-backed Gull - one adult spotted on Damon Point in Ocean Shores
• Brown Pelican - one spotted flying over Damon Point
• American Tree Sparrow - one seen in the trees on Damon Point
• Gyrfalcon - one seen near the Point Brown jetty in Ocean Shores
• Barred Owl - one seen in Dianna Moore's yard in Ocean Shores
• Bullock's Oriole - one seen coming to a feeder in Westport
• Townsend's Solitaire - one seen in Ocean Shores

A big thank you to all those that helped with the count this year! Dianna and I look forward to everyone returning to help next year in 2008. And remember newcomers are always welcome to help with the count!