Nature Done Wright

What a terrific impromptu Birdy 30 contest yesterday, with at total of 16 entries.

After some consideration, the judges have decided to award two first prizes. Sorry for the lengthy text, but what else do you have to do on a Monday?

The International Award, for most species overall — 23 — goes to Rob and Lisa Fanning, who did their 30-minute tally at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Monmouth, New Jersey.

Although several folks said they thought the location gave Rob and Lisa an unfair advantage, I am told that Rob and Lisa actually live in the Environmental Center.

Here are their totals:

Canada Goose 10
Ring-necked Duck 3
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 4
Ruddy Duck 6
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Bald Eagle 2
American Coot 60
Ring-billed Gull 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Continuing at feeder
Dark-eyed Junco 5
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 4
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 2

The North Jersey winner, with 17 species, is Eric Sibbald, who saw all 17 at his Bergen County residence. We are hoping he donates his home for an environmental center. Here are his birds:

1 Turkey Vulture
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Hairy Woodpecker
3 Blue Jay
3 Black-capped Chickadee
4 Tufted Titmouse
1 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Carolina Wren
2 European Starling
8 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
7 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
2 Northern Cardinal
1 House Finch
1 House Sparrow

Eric, by the way, was nice enough to "rub it in" by mentioning all the birds he missed: Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch, and American Crow, along with Red-tailed Hawk and Common Grackle.

In second place in the International Division was Malcolm Chesworth, who had 17 species in Tubac, Arizona.

In second place in the North Jersey Division, with 15 species each,  were Betty McDonnell, Mark Kantrowitz, and Stiles Thomas.

Congratulations to all!