70th Nantucket Christmas Bird Count Recap

Libby Buck •

Immature Bald Eagle seen at Sesachacha Pond by Janette Vohs
An immature bald eagle at Sesachacha Pond spotted during the 70th Nantucket Christmas Bird Count. Photo by Janette Vohs

The 70th Annual Nantucket Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held on Sunday, Dec. 29, was one for the books. A record number of volunteers — 78 participants, including 12 dedicated feeder watchers - came together to celebrate the long-standing island tradition. They observed 138 species and counted an impressive 40,601 individual birds despite the challenges brought by the “Grey Lady” as the fog lingered until 10:30 a.m.

Those numbers are considered preliminary and may fluctuate as data is reviewed. The final count will be determined next week. 

Birders End of the day Meet up at Edie Rays rock
The birders meet-up at Edie Ray's Memorial rock celebrating the Christmas Bird Count day. Photo courtesy of Libby Buck

This year’s count was filled with exciting sightings, including species rarely encountered on Nantucket during this time of year: clapper rail (last recorded in the 1968 count), clay-colored sparrow, American oystercatchers (five individuals), willet, black-headed gull and the tufted duck.

Volunteers were also excited to see that the snowy owls had returned. These majestic birds are always a highlight of winter birding, but organizers were urging everyone to be respectful and mind their distance. A good rule of thumb: if the bird starts to get restless, you’re too close. Anyone who spots a snowy owl on Nantucket is being asked to use zoom lenses or binoculars for viewing and to avoid harassing these beautiful birds.

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A snowy owl spotted and photographed by Burton Balkind.

Other highlights included two immature bald eagles, a red crossbill, and a crow roost counted by Danielle O’Dell, who tallied 485 crows. The count was just shy of Nantucket’s all-time high of 140 species recorded in 2014, but this year's efforts showcased the diversity of birdlife on the island.

Phoebe by Trish Pastuszak
An eastern phoebe seen near Barlett's Farm. Photo by Trish Pastuszak
Quidnet Team finding a willet in the fog by Charlie Jordan
The Quidnet team searching for a willet through the fog. Photo by Charlie Jordan
American Bittern at Folgers Marsh by Janette Vohs
An American bittern seen at Folger's Marsh. Photo by Janette Vohs

One aspect of the Christmas Bird Count is "Count Week," which runs for the three days before and after the official count day—this year, from December 26th to January 1st. Count Week allows birders to document species that may have been missed on count day.

There were some exciting Count Week birds, including sandhill cranes and white-winged crossbills.

Tufted Duck by Kind Flow
A tufted duck (in front). Photo by Burton Balkind
Snowy Owl by Kind Flow
A snowy owl photographed by Burton Balkind

A few species, however, were noticeably absent from the tally. If you saw any of the following birds on count day - December 29 - please email Libby Buck at nantucketbirdcount@gmail.com.

  • Ring-necked Pheasant
  • Wood Duck
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Brown Thrasher
  • Glaucous Gull
  • Yellow-breasted Chat
The Christmas Bird Count's oldest volunteer, Bob Fox, 96, with the one of the youngest, Kevin Achtmeyer, 15. Photo by Brian Lenane
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