Here are the results of the Spring Bird Count for 2008. The results are mailed to the Non-Game Species Division of the Illinois Department of Conservation. This information improves our understanding of the populations and problems of bird species.

The 2008 count total was 18,772 (15,805 last year) individual birds and 167 different species. This is more than last year's Spring Bird Count (163). 181 is the highest total number of species for any Spring Bird Count in Winnebago County (1999). Some of the previous year's counts are:

• 1990 - 141
• 1991 - 140 | 2000 - 169
• 1992 - 156 | 2001 - 153
• 1993 - 164 | 2002 - 151
• 1994 - 143 | 2003 - 165
• 1995 - 139 | 2004 - 168
• 1996 - 147 | 2005 - 165
• 1997 - 166 | 2006 - 154
• 1998 - 155 | 2007 - 164
• 1999 - 181 | 2008 - 167

Some missing birds from the count: no loons, Kentucky Warblers, Pintail Ducks, Bufflehead, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Dunlins, Wood Pewees, Willow Flycatchers, Cedar Waxwings were counted. Species that decreased in number from last year were Bald Eagles (1), Wilson's Snipe (1), European Starling (last 3 years: 1,220-858-657), Yellow-rumped Warblers, Swamp Sparrow (214-242-96)

Notable increases in bird species this year were Hooded Merganser (16), Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Sandhill Crane (23-32-60), Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Rose-bresated Grosbeak, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Baltimore Oriole.

Low numbers of thrushes and warblers were observed. Most interesting or unusual birds found were Common Goldeneye (1), King Rail (1), White-eyed Vireo (2), Philadelphia Vireo (3), Northern Mockingbird (2), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Summer Tanager (1 - possibly 3 in the county at that time), Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Harris's Sparrow (2 - 1 with photos from Martin Kehoe).

The Spring Count for next year will be MAY 5th, 2009. Please set aside the date!!

The Spring Counts are coordinated by Jack L. Armstrong who contributed this report.