Christmas Bird Count

Nearly 8,000 birds were counted during the annual Christmas bird count in Owatonna. Two new species were spotted!

"We did see two new species that we had never seen before."

-Darryl Hill

• 7,983 individual birds were counted (3rd highest number in their 42 years)
• 47 different species seen in 2013
• 104 species have been seen over the years
• 75 people counted birds (including 60 at home feeders)
• 11 first time counters
• 35-Year Anniversary: Terry Dorsey
• 25-Year Anniversary: Gary Schwartz
• Special Thanks to the Owatonna Izaak Walton League for sponsoring event

New Species:

Cackling goose:  25 found swimming at Lake Kohlmier along side Canada Geese

Fox sparrow: one was seen at a home feeder

"We continue to see more hawks than we used to."

-Hill

 Rough-legged Hawk

Red-tailed hawk