The 2024 Armand Bayou Christmas Bird Count was a success, thanks to 82 dedicated volunteers and the Nature Center staff. The weather was perfect, a relief after the previous few years of rainouts. Around 150 species were recorded, including rare sightings like the Black Scoter (only the third appearance in 37 years), Sprague’s Pipit (first since 2004), and Ground Doves. The highlight was the Green-Tailed Towhee, a rare find last recorded in 2011. Some regular species, like geese were absent and hummingbirds were low, ruby throated and rufous. And 360 sandhill cranes were seen flying over! A big thank you to all involved, and the team looks forward to next year. Additional photos and results are available on eBird. Please check out the results and enjoy the many wonderful photos from the count:eBird Trip Report https://ebird.org/tripreport/305932. And also a special trip report just for the new 1,100 acres, found here – https://ebird.org/tripreport/307632. Thank you to Andrew Hamlett and Martha Hood, Co-Compilers, Armand Bayou Christmas Bird Count! And photos courtesy of Andrew Hamlett
