Many years ago, some hunters engaged in something called the Christmas Side Hunt. The object was to take to the field and shoot as many birds and other creatures as they could. The one who brought in the largest pile of feathers and fiirry animals was the winner. How things have changed! Around 1940, the Audubon Society started what we now call the Christmas Bird Count. Tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, rain or wind throughout the Americas on a given day and count all of the birds in their assigned areas. The information generated by this and other programs is used to assess the health of bird populations and make decisions regarding conservation action.

For several years, most of Prescott has been part of the Hastings Bird Count, a critical area on the Mississippi River Flyway. The area includes the St. Croix River around the beach along Hwy. 10, and the western edge of Prescott along the Mississippi River south to Freedom Park and the Pine Glen Cemetery. The open water above the Prescott bridge south to where the Mississippi River is mostly frozen over is home to thousands of waterfowl that spend the entire winter here. This area also includes a healthy population of Bald Eagles, both yearlong residents as well as migrants from the north searching for food on the open water.

This year on December 26th, the Prescott Bird Count was led by Prescott resident Dennis Donath, and his team consisting of Ben Douglas and Larry Sirvio. While they did not have to brave snow or rain, the early morning fog made counting waterfowl difficult. With the aid of a powerful telescope, Ben was able to count more than 420 birds above the Prescott bridge. This figure included twenty-two Trumpeter Swans, that can sometimes be mistaken for mounds of snow on the ice. He also spotted four Ruddy Ducks, a species rarely seen on our stretch of the River.

Traveling downriver, a total of 446 birds were counted. The Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park was an especially active area, probably owing to the fact their feeders were full, as was the heated bird bath, both located in a sheltered area. We counted three Eurasian Collared-doves, eighteen Northern Cardinals, a Tufted Titmouse, and numerous House Sparrows, Juncos and finches.

The most exciting observation took place near the approach to Pine Glen Cemetery. At least 50 American Robins were actively feeding in several trees along the road and many other birds were spotted at feeders adjacent to the last home on the river side before reaching the cemetery.

Contrary to popular belief, not all robins fly south for the winter. Thousands of them stay with us as long as they have access to food, water and sheltered roosting sites.

What we don’t know is how they decide who goes and who stays.

All in all, we had a successful bird count. Remember to keep those feeders full and provide water, if possible. The birds will appreciate your concern.