Matanuska Valley Christmas Bird Count
2023 Christmas Bird Count – Sunday, December 17
Count week: December 14-16 and 18-20
Here is a summary of the Matanuska Valley Christmas Bird Count which took place December 17, 2023.
We had 30 field counters, and 18 stationary feeder counters. We counted 29 species and 3930 individual birds. The going was tough, as we had 6-8″ of fresh snow and few plowed roads. Temperatures were in the low to high 20s and mostly overcast skies.
There were no new bird species seen however, we did pick up one Townsend’s Solitaire which according to our internal records hasn’t been seen since 2009 and that may have been the only other sighting. Also a Great Gray Owl was seen on count day, with only two previous sightings in our counts history. A record high of 21 white-winged crossbills was set, the previous high was 12 in 2017. A high of 5 American Robins, the previous record was 3 set in 2007. We also got a rather high, but not record, Bald Eagle count. There was an unusually large “flock” of ~22 Bald Eagles spotted soaring over the Butte Snow Buntings, Rusty Blackbird, Short-eared Owls, and Gray- crowned Rosy Finches were also counted but, in the past, have been hit or miss.
Conspicuously low counts included Bohemian Waxwings, and Ravens which are only counted until noon, so due to conditions, maybe some of us got a late start and were slow moving. No raptors or other ducks besides Mallards were seen.
View the full report linked below under Count History.
The Matanuska Valley Christmas Bird Count is an over 40-year tradition.
View the official National Audubon (continental wide) Christmas Bird Count database.
Contact matsubirders@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about the Christmas Bird Count.
Audubon Participant Guide on what data to collect on your Christmas Bird Count
Audubon Guide to Christmas Bird Count party miles and hours
2023 CBC Forms
NOTE: 2023 count is completed. If you have corrections rare bird reports or other issues please contact matsubirders@gmail.com
thank you to everyone who braved the roads!!!
MAT-SU VALLEY CBC COUNT CIRCLE MAP PDF
Mat Valley CBC Count Circle Map with 25 Areas – 3MB JPG
A-2023 Christmas Bird Count Overview — Read Me First! —
B-2023 Matanuska Valley CBC Count Circle Description
C-2023 CBC Participant Form.pdf —- Print and record your Participant data then submit data on the online spreadsheet
D-2023 CBC Tally Sheet – TAX .pdf — Print and record your count then submit on the online spreadsheet
E-2023 CBC Field Counter Instructions
F-2023 CBC Feeder Counter Instructions
Rare Bird Documentation Forms –– select the version of the form that works for you: PDF to print, Word doc or online form.
- CBC Rare Bird Documentation (download to computer and complete on word processor. Then email matsubirders@gmail.com )
- CBC Rare Bird Documentation (Google Doc – requires Google Drive login) (can fill out form online. see directions on form
- *** easiest*** CBC Rare Bird Documentation Google Online Form (This is in a survey format. Just answer the questions and submit)
- CBC Rare Bird Documentation.pdf (Print PDF, complete the form and scan or type answers into email.)
CBC Rare Bird Documentation Instructions.pdf (detailed!)
NEW!!! Submit (upload) photos for Rare Bird documentation or just to share. (Must have Google account) or email photos to matsubirders@gmail.com
Mat Valley CBC Count History
2023 Mat Valley CBC Results
2022 Mat Valley CBC Results
2021 Mat Valley CBC Results
No count for 2020
2019 Mat Valley CBC Results
2018 Mat Valley CBC Results
2017 Mat Valley CBC Results
2016 Mat Valley CBC Result
2015 Mat Valley CBC Results
2014 Mat Valley CBC Results
2013 Mat Valley CBC Results
2012 Mat. Valley CBC Results
2011 CBC Local Report
2010 CBC Local Report