Review of the 111th Christmas Bird Count in the Central Valley of California: December 2010- January 2011

Abstract

I reviewed the results of Central Valley Christmas Bird Counts for the winter of 2010-11. I also summarized winter abundance trends from 1976 to 2010 by habitat guild finding that, while most wetland and riparian-associated species increased, grassland birds are mostly in decline. I compared results among different Count Circles to see if the recent expansion of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) into the Central Valley has affected the abundance of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura). I also noted the recent increase in wintering Merlins (Falco columbarius) and Cooper’s Hawks (Astur cooperii) in the Central Valley.