Birding the Red Hills

     The Red Hills offers a multitude of natural adventures. A very popular one is birding. In early January, the 28th Red Hills Audubon Christmas Bird Count was conducted. While this count is a relatively new one, the tradition of Christmas Bird Counts goes clear back to 1900 when ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the Audubon Society, proposed a bird census that would count birds during the holidays. So began the Christmas Bird Count (CBC.) Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America. Those original 27 Christmas Bird Counters tallied around 90 species on all the counts combined. Now there are over 1,200 counts conducted annually in North America with several dozen just in Kansas. This year's Red Hills CBC was on January 4. There were a total of 14 observers led by Pete Janzen. The count area is located entirely in Barber County.  A total of 94 species of birds and 10,474 individuals were tallied--more species than seen by the first CBC participants 120 years ago in all the first counts. For the Red Hills CBC, this is the highest species total since it began. Notable sightings this year included Red-shouldered Hawk and Pileated Woodpecker which were repeats from recent years and indicates they seem to be establishing themselves as residents.  Because of the mild winter, there was a lot of open water resulting in 17 species of waterfowl seen--an all time high. 

     Predawn surveying for owls was super productive with 24 Great Horned Owls as well as Eastern Screech Owls, Barred and Barn Owls being found.  A special treat was a big meteor shower. Bird counters came from Tulsa, Olathe, Lawrence, Berryton, Manhattan, Emporia, Wichita, Hutchinson and Pratt.  While certainly a fun activity, these bird counts add very important information about population trends and bird distribution, particularly with the effect of recent years' climatic changes. As is the case for all CBC counts, the area surveyed annually covers a circle of land 15 miles in diameter. The center for this count is near Medicine Lodge. 

Bird counting begins before dawn and provides a pleasing
Red Hills scene as the census begins.

Stan Roth (with hunter orange cap) is not only one of
the regular Red Hills CBC birders but a well-respected
Red Hills natural resource expert.

The Red Hills is recognized as an official
Audubon Important Bird Area.

Typical views may be quite fleeting; but, this Merlin (Pigeon Hawk)
perched on a fence post for several minutes, allowing for a picture.

Mountain Bluebirds concentrate in the Red Hills in winter
and are regular entries in this count.

End of count day supplies a beautiful Red Hills sunset to cap an enjoyable outing.

The final tally occurs at the compilation directed by Pete Janzen and, quite fittingly, at Busters' Saloon in Sun City. Pete (standing) started this count in 1992 and has been its faithful and excellent leader since.