by John Besser, Nature Areas Chair

Columbia Christmas Bird Count — Dec, 20 2025

This year‘s count was held later than usual, but we still had mild weather on count day, with light clouds and a high temperature near 50° F. We also had a good turnout of volunteers. with 118 eBird checklists submitted. Many counters also showed up Saturday evening to share the traditional Chili Dinner and species tally.

Due to the dewatered conditions in Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, this area had relatively few waterbirds but it produced impressive counts of several sparrow species, including 254 White throated Sparrows, 228 Dark eyed Juncos, and 167 Fox Sparrows. The City of Columbia’s wastewater treatment wetlands held the most ducks, with high counts of Green-winged Teal (1507) and Mallards (2247), as well as lingering Sora (3) and Virginia Rail (10). Blackbirds were less abundant than usual, but we recorded good numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds (3346) and Common Grackle (1910). Other notable sightings included Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Merlin, American White Pelican, and Trumpeter Swan. Species with high counts included Black Vulture (7) and Eastern Screech-owl. (15).

Our preliminary tally was 87 species. Several additional species were observed (at South Farm or Bradford Farm) within the 7-day count period: Eurasian Collared Dove, Loggerhead Shrike, Short-eared Owl, and Harris’s sparrow. These additions brought our preliminary species tally to 91 species.

Thanks to all who participated!