2004 "Feathered Frenzy" Results

Sullivan County Audubon held its annual "Feathered Frenzy" contest on the Feb 14-15 weekend. Twelve birders formed five teams and scoured the county in twenty-four hour periods to see who could find the most species. We had several surprises and a really great time, coming up with a combined total of 59 species, the second-highest in the 7 years we have been doing this crazy winter contest.

Highlights included an adult male BOHEMIAN WAXWING found by Valerie Freer in a crabapple tree in Grahamsville. She was able to contact most of the other participants who got to see the bird, a lifer for many! Another highlight was an "Owl prowl" which resulted in Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech and SAW-WHET Owls being found with Renee Davis’ leadership. Some other good sightings included: Hooded Merganser, Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Red-shouldered Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, GLAUCOUS GULL, Flicker, Fish Crow, Raven, Horned Lark, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, E Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Robin (abundant), Brown-headed Cowbird, Redpoll, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak. Two notable species that no one could find were Mockingbird and Cedar Waxwing! The level of competition is indicated by the fact that each of the 5 teams found 40 or more species! The leaders were John Haas and Diane Sheridan who found the most species (48) on Saturday.

Thanks to all the participants who made it a great time, and thanks to Ruth Shursky for hosting he countdown dinner.

John Haas and Valerie Freer
Warblings, April-May 2004