MALHEUR NWR CBC (P-RANCH), Dec 14, 2022

Historic count start date: 1939 (53 species on that first count)
Total number of Christmas Bird Counts: 68
CBCs missed: 15, mostly in 1940s and 1950s, and in 1995 due to a government shut down and in 2008 and 2009 for unknown reasons.

Seven field birders braved the frigid temperatures and snow-covered ground along with 2 feeder watchers at their home on the southern part of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Frenchglen to count birds for the annual Refuge Christmas Bird Count on Wednesday December 14. 

The challenging winter conditions were precipitated by extreme cold temperatures and substantial snow during the past 30 days across Harney County. One of the earliest coldest starts to a Harney County winter in many years. 

As a result, most of the open water was frozen at Krumbo Reservoir, Benson pond, Boca lake and a significant portion of the Blitzen River and other small streams. Only some of the warm springs had plentiful open water. 

Surprisingly, the group came up with an above average number of birds for a very wintery count, due to persistent birding and sharp eyes. 

Temperatures ranged from 0° to 23° at the official weather station above Frenchglen. However, they were -18 degrees at the extreme NW end of the count circle above the rim on Hwy 205. Fortunately, winds were below 5 mph for most of the count. 

Snow depth ranged from 1 in to 30 inches due to drifting snow with an average of 6 inches of snow. 

Early morning and evening owling produced 5 great-horned owls, 2 barn owls and 1 long-eared owl. More great-horned owls were observed during the day. No short-eared owls or small owls were observed, although we suspect they were there as usual. It’s hard to look for owls in such cold temperatures!

An American dipper (53 occurrences since 1939) was spotted at its favorite spot, Page Springs dam waterfall, several times during the day along with an American pipit near the bridge. A second pipit was spotted at the north end of the count circle by Alexa Martinez and Teresa Wicks. A total of  10 Virginia rails were located at several open springs. 

A Pacific wren (24 occurrences since 1939) appeared in the Long Barn at P-Ranch searching for frozen spiders and a second one was spotted late in the day at Page Springs campground along with 3 Wilson’s Snipe.

Two red-shouldered hawks were found, one on East canal and one near Benson Pond. (4 occurrences since 1939 and now 3 years in a row).