As the long, arduous 2020 election comes to an end, so too ends our similarly long and arduous backyard bird count, commemorated forevermore on this Twitter thread.
I stated before there are no winners and losers when it comes to birding. All birds are winners. In this case though, one bird was just a bit more of a winner. Indeed, a large, late-arriving flock tipped the scales in favor of the MOURNING DOVE, official victor of Backyard Bird Count 2020.
The decisive last-second win must come as welcome news to the widespread zenaida macroura, all too often on the losing end of encounters with the raptors of the world. Though we do not speak dove, it is rumored the somewhat lethargic gray bird gained momentum with a promise to "represent all birds," and usher in a "return to normalcy" to the back yard. Congratulations, dove! For one day you can forget about mourning and enjoy your victory!
In all, I counted 33 species, and a recount has confirmed that number. We strive for accuracy here and believe our methodologies and numbers beyond reproach. That's nothing less than the American public deserves. We are however fully lawyered up and prepared to withstand the inevitable raft of lawsuits about to be filed against us on behalf of early frontrunner, black-capped chickadee.
Backyard Bird Count 2020
Red-bellied woodpecker
Black-capped chickadee
Mourning dove
Blue jay
Tufted titmouse
Northern cardinal
Hairy woodpecker
American goldfinch
White-breasted nuthatch
Red-breasted nuthatch
House finch
House sparrow
Dark-eyed junco
White-throated sparrow
Cooper's hawk
Northern flicker
Red-winged blackbird
American crow
European starling
Red-tailed hawk
Ruddy duck
Redhead
Lesser scaup
Mallard
Canada goose
Ring-billed gull
Mute swan
Eastern bluebird
Horned grebe
Belted kingfisher
Carolina wren
Pine siskin
Bird blog note
ReplyDeleteMendacity, man, mendacity here; lies, more lies and long term consequences will be felt throughout the Audobon world from this whopper. While true a certain long term member of this team did leave his binoculars home, a forgivable offense given his long experience, keen eyes, sharp ears and incredible hiking stamina on the day. The team member most certainly did not fall into the Cuyahoga River but may have ever so slightly wet a foot in the Little Cuyahoga while chasing the elusive Hudsonian Godwit. Alas neither the sight nor sound of that arctic bird could be confirmed, thus not believed. “Fished” out of the River? Nah, not even close to a truth!
UP
You replied to the wrong post! Have you been drinking again? Is this what retirement is like??
ReplyDelete