71st Nantucket Christmas Bird Count: 133 species And 61,455 Individual Birds

Snow, frozen ponds, and bitter cold did not stop Nantucket’s birding community. On December 28th, volunteers bundled up and went into the field for the 71st Nantucket Christmas Bird Count (CBC), as part of the National Audubon’s Society’s longest-running community science program. For the count, the island is divided into eight designated sections and the birders spread out across them, covering coastal habitats, woods, grassland, neighborhoods, and backyard feeders across the island to record all the birds within a 24-hour period.

Despite the challenging conditions, participation was outstanding. A total of 81 volunteers (a new record high), including a record-breaking 20 feeder-watchers, took part in this year’s count. The temperature did warm slightly in the afternoon, but the morning tested the mettle of even the hardiest of birders. Volunteers braved the cold, biting winds, and snow-covered trails. The day concluded with the compilation meeting at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station, where teams shared their highlights and totals.

The following results are preliminary and represent an early summary of the data collected on count day and during count week. All observations are still under review, and there may be slight changes before the final report is released.

Preliminary results from this year’s count documented 133 species and 61,455 individual birds. These totals reflect Nantucket’s continued importance as a winter and migratory stopover site for a large diversity of birds.

Several notable and uncommon species were recorded this year, including the Sandhill Crane, a bird that has been present on Nantucket for much of the year, and thankfully made an appearance on count day. Other highlights included Lincoln’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, American Pipit, a Common Gull (Kamchatka), Black Guillemots (2), Tree Swallows (5), Long-billed Dowitchers (2), Evening Grosbeaks (4), and a single Eastern Bluebird.

Waterfowl and seabird numbers were particularly impressive. Bird counters had 28,730 Common Eiders, 4,842 Red-throated Loons, and 4,842 Long-tailed Ducks. This year’s count also produced several new record highs including 24 Coopers Hawks, 14 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and nine Common Ravens. In addition, birders recorded a notably high number of Harlequin Ducks (24).

These results represent the preliminary findings only. All observations are currently being reviewed and finalized. The final results will be available in approximately two weeks. They will be posted on the Linda Loring Nature Foundation website and shared across social media channels.

Are you feeling inspired and looking to help? There’s still an opportunity. Count week refers to the three days before and the three days after count day (December 25 to December 31st), and it’s one place where the broader community can still contribute. Even if you were not able to participate on count day, you can contribute by keeping an eye out for birds seen within the official count circle during this window. Count week species are not included in the official count day totals, but are an important part of the final report and help to capture the birds that may pass through briefly, or occur in low numbers.

Some of the species that may still be moving through or lingering on the island, or were just hiding on count day may be a Ring-neck Pheasant, Killdeer, Dovekie, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, American Kestrel, or Short-eared owl. It is especially helpful if these species were observed on Sunday, December 28, and captured with a photograph. Any count week sightings or photos can be emailed to Libby Buck: nantucketbirdcount@gmail.com for review and inclusion in the final report.

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers. The Nantucket Christmas Bird Count would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. From team captains and field birders to feeder-watchers and compilation participants, every observation mattered. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make the 71st Nantucket Christmas Bird Count a success! Interested in joining a future count? The next Nantucket Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Sunday, January 3, 2027. If you would like to join the email list and receive the updates about the next count, please email nantucketbirdcount@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more editions of Current Nature, a bi-weekly column featuring seasonal topics, natural history information, and advice on the outdoors from the staff at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation