Great Backyard Bird Count results

Between Feb. 15 and 18, birders submitted more than 85,700 checklists, identified 635 species and provided thousands of bird photos. The citizen scientists contributed to a database that ornithologists and other researchers can use to study species populations and distribution.

For instance, counters' checklists indicate that
* northern finches, such as Pine Grosbeak (above), came south from northern Canada to find food
* Yellow-billed Magpie populations are decreasing
* Eurasian Collard-Doves continue to adapt and spread, now reaching Oregon and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba

The top 10 most reported species:
1. Northern Cardinal
2. Mourning Dove
3. Dark-eyed Junco
4. Downy Woodpecker
5. American Goldfinch
6. Blue Jay
7. House Finch
8. Tufted Titmouse
9. Black-capped Chickadee
10. American Crow

For more details about the 2008 count, visit the highlights page on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site. The lab and National Audubon Society organize the annual event, which will happen again Feb. 13-16, 2009.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service