2017 Dallas Christmas Count
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loon - White Rock Lake, Zone 3, Dallas Christmas Count - December 16, 2017 on Count Day. - Photo by Peter Billingham, Region 3 Zone Leader.
Seen by all observers in this zone... Greg Cook, Peter Billingham, Caleb Frome, Ross Rassmussen, Peter Assman, and Matt DuRoss. Bird was observed multiple times after count day.
Originally seen on December 13 by Tal Roberts and photos submitted to ebird. Marshal Illiff reviewed the images and responded that the bird was indeed a Red-throated Loon.
Red-throated Loon video by Mike Cameron on December 18.
This bird was observed and photographed from December 13-December 19. Video by Mike Cameron.
Iceland Gull (Thayer's)
Observed by Chris Runk, Jim Peterson, Ron Matuson in Zone 2.
We were not completely sure if this bird was a young Iceland or Herring Gull, and we hedged our bet until we heard from others. Chris sent these and other images in to Martin Reid and Eric Carpenter. Both agreed that this was more likely an Iceland Gull (Thayers) than a Herring Gull.
Greater Roadrunner (no photo)
Observed in Zone 2. Seen by Jim and Gretchen Peterson, Mike Millican, Marvin Rogers, Mike Stephenson. We had a leisurely look for several minutes. The bird remained stationary much of the time.
The bird was observed in a grassy power pole utility line easement on the north side of Zone 2 behind a private residence. The bird was seen two weeks before and one of the participants knew the land owner who allowed us on his property on count day. We could view it easily at the back end of his yard which adjoined the public property.
Greater Roadrunner observations are extremely rare now within the Dallas count circle. They were seen regularly on the Dallas count until the early 1990s. However, only a single individual has been observed on a Dallas Count in the last 20 years (2013). A special details report has been submitted.
Hairy Woodpecker (no photo)
Observed in Zone 9. Seen by Marcie Haley and Carol Cheshire. Bird was observed in a habitat of predominately eastern red cedars and mixed hardwoods.
Hairy Woodpeckers have become quite rare in North-central Texas. The only regular population in the area is along the Red River. A special details report has been submitted.
Other special birds for the count include Northern Harrier, Barn Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, and House Wren.
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