CBC Results, Gulls, Waxwings, and more!

After compiling the list of all the numerous species and numbers from multiple checklists, the final tally came out to 64 species seen during Count Week and the 52nd Ludington CBC! Some notable species during Count Day were Red-winged Blackbirds, Double-crested Cormorants, Chipping Sparrow, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeons, and Black Scoters.

Although they were a few weeks late, some northern rarities showed up to Ludington in the last few days and were found by multiple parties. These species were:

Dec. 6 - Bohemian Waxwing (Corner of Stephen & Millerton)

Dec. 7 - Rough-legged Hawk (PM Marsh & Ludington State Park)

Dec. 8 - Glaucous Gull (Ludington Harbor - North Breakwall)

Dec. 8 - Great Black-backed Gulls: Center & Right (Ludington Harbor - North Breakwall)

A Northern Shrike was seen on Townline Rd. 1/4 mile west of Custer Rd., but no pictures were taken. However, also at the Ludington State Park along the Sculpture Trail was a single Rusty Blackbird. (Pictured below)

Hopefully, these rarities are a foreshadowing of what the 2023 birding season will bring!