Date: 1/15/26 7:35 am From: William Bennett (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Grandfather Mountain CBC results
Hello all,
The 40th annual Grandfather Mountain Christmas Bird Count, on Saturday Dec 20th 2025, recorded 57 species and 2,115 individuals. These numbers are on par with our recent averages, and slightly below last year's numbers. Thank you to all who participated! A summary of the count data is attached, and results will be available on the Audubon CBC website after review.
We had up to 17 counters in the field and 5 additional feeder watchers, totaling 77 daylight party hours, 5.5 owling party hours, and 9 feeder hours.
Like last year, the count day began cold but warmed up to the low 50's, and went without any precipitation. There was a temperature inversion at daybreak, with ridge temps more than 10 degrees warmer than the valley. Winds were mild (unlike Friday, the planned count date). Most water bodies were partly if not completely frozen over, contributing again to low waterfowl numbers. Most of us reported that the birding was slower than expected.
This year did not see any species out of the ordinary, but did set several high counts:
- Mute Swan: 4 (beating the high of 3 set last year)
- Carolina Chickadee: 171 (154 last year)
- Tufted Titmouse: 92 (77 in 2023)
- Red-breasted Nuthatch: 27 (19 in 1989)
- Northern Cardinal: 83 (73 in 2024 and 2019)
- House Finch: 100 (88 last year)
We also tied our Barred Owl (2) and Swamp Sparrow (8) high counts. Count week-only species were Hooded Merganser, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, and Common Grackle. We did not have any major misses, although no Hermit Thrush felt a little odd and duck numbers were of course disappointing.
Thanks again to all of our counters. If you are interested in participating this December, reach out to me at <research...>.
--
Will Bennett
President, High Country Audubon Society
Research Coordinator, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
