Twenty-eight birders counted 57,284 birds of 138 species in the 50th Tillamook Bay Christmas Bird Count (CBC) circle on December 14. No new species were seen on this Count. The day was marked by fair weather and mild temperatures, a welcome departure from the usual rainy and stormy count days. This year's total of 138 species was higher than the average of 130. No bird species seen on the previous 49 CBCs was missed. New high numbers were set or tied for 14 species. Full report...
2013 Tillamook Bay 50th CBC Report
Waterfowl on the bay, Bayocean Spit Photo: dawn villaescusa
The fiftieth Tillamook Bay CBC was held on Saturday, December 14th, 2013. Tillamook Bay counters organized at 6:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 2230 Main Avenue North (Hwy. 101), in Tillamook. At that time, groups were assigned to the various count sections to cover the entire count circle. The Tillamook Bay CBC circle is 15 miles in diameter, covering about 177 square miles, centered at the intersection of Hwy. 101 and Main Street in Bay City. All sections include water and land habitats. At 5 p.m. counters again convened at Denny’s Restaurant to review the results of the day.
Over the 50-year history of the count a total of 238 species have been recorded for an average of 130 species each year. Tillamook Bay typically has one of the highest species counts in Oregon. There have been only 3 compilers. Joe Strauch established the Tillamook Bay CBC count circle and compiled the first count (1964-65) in January 1965. Thereafter, the compiler was Bill Thackaberry, who compiled the count for 21 years through 1985. Owen Schmidt, began in December 1986. Current compiler is dawn villaescusa.
Over the 50-year history of the count a total of 238 species have been recorded for an average of 130 species each year. Tillamook Bay typically has one of the highest species counts in Oregon. There have been only 3 compilers. Joe Strauch established the Tillamook Bay CBC count circle and compiled the first count (1964-65) in January 1965. Thereafter, the compiler was Bill Thackaberry, who compiled the count for 21 years through 1985. Owen Schmidt, began in December 1986. Current compiler is dawn villaescusa.
2013 Upper Nestucca CBC Report
The 30th Upper Nestucca Christmas Bird Count was held on December 16, 2013, under mostly sunny skies, with just a little fog in some of the lower valleys. Low temperatures were right around freezing, and highs reached into the mid-40's. There was no snow on the ground anywhere in the count circle, but some of the lakes and ponds at higher elevations were still fully- or partially-iced over from the previous week's deep freeze.
We had 18 volunteers working in 9 teams this year. We ended up with 49 species, which is a little below the average in recent years, but two more than the previous year's count. Highlights were the first EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES for the count (20 of them) found near Blaine by Wink Gross, Jack Hurt and Becki Marsh. That team also found the other count first: A BLACK PHOEBE, also near Blaine. In addition, we recorded count highs for seven other species.
Some notable misses: Great Blue Heron (found on 24 of 29 previous counts); Both Accipiter species; Any gulls; Either species of quail; Pine Siskins (found on 23 previous counts, but notably absent from counts all over Oregon this winter); House Sparrow (found on 16 previous counts).
The 30th Upper Nestucca Christmas Bird Count was held on December 16, 2013, under mostly sunny skies, with just a little fog in some of the lower valleys. Low temperatures were right around freezing, and highs reached into the mid-40's. There was no snow on the ground anywhere in the count circle, but some of the lakes and ponds at higher elevations were still fully- or partially-iced over from the previous week's deep freeze.
We had 18 volunteers working in 9 teams this year. We ended up with 49 species, which is a little below the average in recent years, but two more than the previous year's count. Highlights were the first EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES for the count (20 of them) found near Blaine by Wink Gross, Jack Hurt and Becki Marsh. That team also found the other count first: A BLACK PHOEBE, also near Blaine. In addition, we recorded count highs for seven other species.
Some notable misses: Great Blue Heron (found on 24 of 29 previous counts); Both Accipiter species; Any gulls; Either species of quail; Pine Siskins (found on 23 previous counts, but notably absent from counts all over Oregon this winter); House Sparrow (found on 16 previous counts).
Tillamook Bay Christmas Bird Count (CBC)-
Please join us on Saturday, December 18th for the Tillamook Bay CBC.
Canceled last year because of COVID and thus breaking a 56 year consecutive streak, the Tillamook CBC is one of the oldest counts in the State. The count circle stretches from Netarts north to Rockaway Beach and east to include the Kilchis and much more (see map PDF). If you love bird watching in this rich coastal habitat, contact us! You will be assigned to a team of field counters with a specific area to cover. All experience levels are welcome! COVID precautions will be observed. There will be no general get togethers this year.
Field counters should dress for Oregon coast weather including rain, wind, cold and probable changes throughout the day. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)
If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Tillamook Bay area.
WANT TO HELP? Participation is FREE, but you do need to pre-register. Please contact Kathy Krall to be put on a team or to receive instructions on backyard counting. This count is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City.
Please join us on Saturday, December 18th for the Tillamook Bay CBC.
Canceled last year because of COVID and thus breaking a 56 year consecutive streak, the Tillamook CBC is one of the oldest counts in the State. The count circle stretches from Netarts north to Rockaway Beach and east to include the Kilchis and much more (see map PDF). If you love bird watching in this rich coastal habitat, contact us! You will be assigned to a team of field counters with a specific area to cover. All experience levels are welcome! COVID precautions will be observed. There will be no general get togethers this year.
Field counters should dress for Oregon coast weather including rain, wind, cold and probable changes throughout the day. Mud boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring your own optical equipment. You will also want to bring a lunch or something to snack on throughout the day, plus plenty of water. (Most sector leaders do not stop for lunch.)
If that sounds too strenuous, or you just don't have the full day to spend, you can participate as a backyard/feeder counter if you live in the Tillamook Bay area.
WANT TO HELP? Participation is FREE, but you do need to pre-register. Please contact Kathy Krall to be put on a team or to receive instructions on backyard counting. This count is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City.
Tillamook Birder - Historical Sightings
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eBird Location Explorer
Current and historical data for Tillamook county 
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Birds reported in Tillamook County to date
Sooty Grouse -- Photo: Jack Booth
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