On December 17, 2022, dedicated participants of the 123rd Christmas Bird Count (CBC) conducted in Pagosa Springs, Colorado recorded 4,432 total observed birds, spanning 68 species. Further, 76 total participants logged an impressive 31 miles on foot, 29 hours at feeders, and 447 miles by car as they scoured a 15-mile diameter circle centered around the transfer station along CR 500. Area lakes largely froze over in the weeks leading up to the CBC and thus, waterfowl diversity and total numbers were less than historical averages. That said, and despite detecting over 500 fewer total birds than in the 122nd CBC, this year’s count marked the highest species count in the Pagosa Springs CBC in 12 years.

Interesting and rarer observations included a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Pintail, and Northern Pygmy Owl. Three additional species were seen during the count week (spanning the three days prior to and after the count day), including a Williamson’s Sapsucker, Virginia Rail, and a very late migratory group of Sandhill Cranes. While these species cannot be included in the official count day, they do reflect a presence or absence in the area across the count week. The five most commonly seen species included American Crows (637 individuals), Dark-eyed Juncos (362 individuals), Black-billed Magpies (356 individuals), Pygmy Nuthatches (283), and House Sparrows (278 individuals). Another high count to mention is the 18 Bald Eagles detected on count day.

Local CBC Participants gathered on Zoom the month following the event to share their stories, reflections, and pictures from the day. One commonly expressed sentiment was that the best part of the CBC is sharing the experience with others. Whether it be discovering a new “lifer” bird or sharing a bird you’ve seen many times with someone new to that bird, the magic is often an equivalent. Birding can be infectious and working together for the purpose of painting a species list of our avian neighbors each winter is a group effort and a long-standing tradition. The CBC originated nationally in 1900. Weminuche Audubon Society and Audubon Rockies would like to thank this year’s CBC participants for their commitment and time, providing vital local information on bird population health.