The weather was nearly delightful on the morning of Saturday, December 17, 2011, as teams of Kane County Audubon volunteers embarked on a survey of all the birds that could be identified in a section of Kane County designated as "Area 8 of the Fermi Lab circle." (Area 8 is basically comprised of the territory west of Route 31 that falls within a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Fermi Lab. Yes, for the most part, our count area doesn't include the Fox River.)

The Christmas Bird Count, a program of the National Audubon Society, is in its 112^th year. This was the 36^th year the count was conducted in the Fermi circle. The purpose of the survey is to collect data that scientists can use to determine the viability of bird populations across North America. For more information on Christmas Bird Count, follow this link to National Audubon.

The focus of the report presented on this page is strictly that of Area 8 of the Fermi Lab Count Circle. Area 8 is the portion of the count for which Kane County Audubon is solely responsible. (Some of our members also participate in other counts in the state.)

It was a good year. This year's Kane County survey showed an increase in species counted, from 52 to 58. The total number of birds counted increased significantly, from 5,859 to 9,585. As usual, the Canada Goose was the most counted bird, by far, at 4,108. It represented almost 43% of the total birds counted. As in the last three years, the European Starling was ranked the second-most populous bird. Mallard, American Tree Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco round out the top five. Thirty-nine of the 58 species counted this year experienced increases. Two species' counts remained the same.

Fifteen species not found last year were added to this year's list:

Nine species were counted last year but not spotted this:

Some general observations:

Eagle-eyed data observers will note a steady progression in the number of species reported over the past six years. The total number of birds counted shows wild fluctuations, probably more a reflection of the count week's weather.

Bald Eagle aficionados will note that none were counted this year. Fear not. Four were tallied in Kane County, none of them in our reporting zone (Area 8).

This year's American Robin count dropped from 114 last year to 16, 37 below the previous five years' average.

Feeder bird (sparrows, finches, juncos, nuthatches, cardinals) numbers have remained relatively steady over the course of the six year sample presented below.
 

SPECIES

2011

2010

2009

TOTAL COUNT

11,512

6,387

TOTAL SPECIES