The 2023 Muskegon Wastewater Christmas Bird Count, one of over 70 such CBC's across Michigan, was completed on Wednesday, December 20. Established in 1999, and registered with the National Audubon Society as an official count in 2005, the Wastewater CBC has been held every winter since its inception. This year 12 volunteers, split among 6 groups, maintained coverage from 8:00 until the last party finished at 16:35. Observers accrued 220 miles by car and 11.2 miles on foot. The participants were Charlie DeWitt and Eli Rotman; Terry Grabill, Andrea Grabill, Brennan Shuler, and Emily Bish; Beth Miller and Jo Popma; Dayle Vanderwier; Steve Minard and Sam Greene; and Brian Johnson.
Over the history of the count, the daily mean temperature has averaged 32.7°, with actual temperatures on count days varying from 16° to 61°. In 2023, for third consecutive winter, temperatures were mild, rising from 32° to 40° during the count period. Aside from an aberrant winter storm on Halloween, weather prior to count day also had been unusually pleasant, likely emanating from both increasing annual temperatures and a developing El Niño over the Pacific. The last 18 days before the CBC were warmer than normal, and on count day only 1 inch of snow covered shady areas. Water, including the Wastewater lagoons and the Lanes Landing marshes, was generally free of ice. Moreover, conditions on count day were great for birding. Although near overcast skies persisted, precipitation was absent, and winds were unusually light (4-7 mph from the SE).
These conditions offered an enjoyable day afield, and we accrued 8748 birds of 66 species. The species total far exceeds our previous average of 54.3 and is bested only by 67 species from 2012. The unusually extensive areas of open water resulted in 22 species of waterbirds (average 13.5). Furthermore, summer and fall carry-overs (e.g. Yellow-rumped Warbler) numbered 13, which matches our previous high.
Of the 66 species found on count day, 50 surpassed their long-term averages. Only Wild Turkey and Black Duck were scarce, and misses this year were insignificant: mentionable ones being Snowy Owl, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, and Song Sparrow - all historically irregular. Conversely, six species set new high records: Common Goldeneye (6), Iceland Gull (2), Northern Harrier (8), Northern Flicker (19), American Kestrel (22), and Eastern Bluebird (52).
Many thanks to all who helped with the count, this year and in the past. I hope to see you next year.
Brian Johnson
These conditions offered an enjoyable day afield, and we accrued 8748 birds of 66 species. The species total far exceeds our previous average of 54.3 and is bested only by 67 species from 2012. The unusually extensive areas of open water resulted in 22 species of waterbirds (average 13.5). Furthermore, summer and fall carry-overs (e.g. Yellow-rumped Warbler) numbered 13, which matches our previous high.
Of the 66 species found on count day, 50 surpassed their long-term averages. Only Wild Turkey and Black Duck were scarce, and misses this year were insignificant: mentionable ones being Snowy Owl, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, and Song Sparrow - all historically irregular. Conversely, six species set new high records: Common Goldeneye (6), Iceland Gull (2), Northern Harrier (8), Northern Flicker (19), American Kestrel (22), and Eastern Bluebird (52).
Other outstanding counts or species included: Snow Goose (1), Tundra Swan (10), Northern Pintail (7), Ring-necked Duck (26), Hooded Merganser (28), Ruddy Duck (280), Screech-Owl (1), Short-eared Owl (1), Winter Wren (1), White-throated Sparrow (2), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (2). A Common Grackle at the State Game Area provided our first record since 2002. However, no new species were found this year, so our cumulative total remains 116.
I have attached a spreadsheet that details the results each zone in 2023.*
Many thanks to all who helped with the count, this year and in the past. I hope to see you next year.
Brian Johnson
* Anyone wanting a copy of the spreadsheet may contact Ric or Brian.
