Nature Done Wright

The annual fight for avian bragging rights in North Jersey is up in the air.

Both Fyke and Bergen County Audubon weathered a dreary Saturday to do their counts.

As you no doubt recall, BCAS eked out a victory in the CBC competition last year, 95 species to 82, giving Fyke a 13-species handicap this year.

Fyke came up with a total of 79 species on Saturday, but "awaiting word on a POSSIBLE House wren which would make it 80."

Bergen Audubon is still tabulating their tally, perhaps the result of a dangling chat or two. 

BCAS fab tabber David Hall writes:   "We had a great day, though I’m still waiting for lists to come in. I think we’ll end up close to 90, but we’re not there yet.

"Big numbers of Bald Eagles all across our circle, with the majority being young birds.  Some counters were very frustrated by slow birding, but I was just grateful for the not so soggy weather, and the turnout of volunteers."

The rumor is the BCAS will switch from telegraph to fax machine next year in order to get their results in faster.

What happens if there is (gasp!) a tie?

Let the debate begin.