Lewiston/Auburn CBC results

The Stanton Bird Club conducted its 36th Christmas Bird Count of the Lewiston and Auburn area on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Twenty-four people participated and recorded 51 species; the average since 2000 is 48. There was no snow on the ground and only the shallowest bodies of water were frozen. The grand total of 4,396 individual birds was well below average but higher than last year’s count. The weather was cool, high for the day reached mid 30’s, partly cloudy with snow showers and one snow squall as a front moved through mid-morning.

Overall, waterfowl numbers were low considering there was much open water and warmer than average temperatures. Only 5 Common Loons were found – all at Lake Auburn. Everyone commented about fewer birds found at feeders, likely influenced by lack of snow. For raptors there were ten adult Bald Eagles at various locations however “our” Peregrine Falcon at the Continental Mill was not found for the second year in a row.  The hoped-for winter finches and other winter birds were also not found.

There was one new bird for the count, a Pine Warbler off Webster Corner Rd in Lisbon. Less-often-seen birds included a Belted Kingfisher in Sabattus; a Chipping Sparrow in Lewiston; a Barrows Goldeneye along the Androscoggin River; and a Hermit Thrush in Auburn. Pileated Woodpecker count of 6 was a new high, as were 135 Canada Geese.  Rock Pigeons were high, and Northern Cardinals and American Goldfinch counts were above average.  On the low side, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves and Wild Turkey’s were below average this year.