The following two paragraphs
introducing the results of the 9th (1908) CBC in Bird-Lore,
particularly the last one, indicates that the concept of a well-defined “count
circle” had not yet been work out, nor had any thought been given to the idea
of multiple “parties” working in tandem. The CBC was still truly in its
infancy:
A correspondent
asks how it is possible to state with accuracy the number of individuals of a
species seen. Where the number is small, no difficulty should arise here,
provided one’s route does not bring the same birds under observation more than
once; but where birds are abundant, it is not expected that one can ascertain
their exact numbers. But an estimate, however, conveys a much more definite
idea than the terms, “Common,” “Abundant,” etc.
It
is also asked whether, when censuses are signed by more than one person, the
observers worked together, all seeing practically the same birds, or whether
they worked independently of one another, the census being their combined
records? We assume in cases of this kind that the observers are more or less
closely associated; but in the future it would be well to have an understanding
in regard to this matter, so that when observers take different routes, the
results will not be combined in one census, when, in fact, two or more censuses
have been made.—ED. [=Frank M. Chapman] [Source: Bird-Lore 11:30-31 (1909)]
Following are the results of the four counts
reporting from Michigan in 1908:
Detroit,
Mich., at Palmer Park.—Dec. 25; 10 A.M. to 12 M. Cloudy, misty, threatening
snow; three inches of snow on ground; wind, north; about ten miles; temp., 33°.
Junco, 4; Tree Sparrow, 3. Belle Isle Park.—Dec. 27.
Conditions much the same as above, except wind blowing twenty miles. Herring
Gull, 15; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Crow, 6; Blue Jay, 1;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Chickadee, 1. Total, for two
days, 10 species, 37 individuals [Careful readers will note that this is actually two counts, covering two distinct areas on two different days, masquerading as one].—JEFFERSON BUTLER.
Kalamazoo,
Mich.—Dec. 25; 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cloudy; light snow; ground partly
bare; wind northwest, moderate; temp., 30°. Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 40; Lapland
Longspur, 75; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1. Total, 4 species, 118 individuals.—WM.
E. PRAEGER.
Port
Sanilac, Mich.—Dec. 28; 10.30 A.M. to 1 P.M. Bright sunshine; two to
fourteen inches snow, crusted; wind west and light, changing to south and
stronger; temp., 28° to 36°. Herring Gull,2; American Merganser, 7; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Crossbill (sp.), 10; Junco, 75; Song Sparrow, 4; Chickadee, 25.
Total, 7 species, 125 individuals.—ETHEL B. CHASE, MRS. JOHN S. THOMSON, and
HARRIET W. THOMSON.
Benzonia,
Benzie Co., Mich.—Dec. 28; 9 A.M. to 12 M. Snow slightly, increasing
later; wind northwest, sno ten inches deep; temp. 28°. Herring Gull, flock of
48; Bob-white, flock of 10; Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay,
Redpoll, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee [Note that the compiler failed to
indicate the number of individuals seen of the last six species, simply
implying that they were present on the day of the count. Not knowing how many
individuals of each species were seen, but confident that each species was seen
on count day, it seems reasonable to record at least one individual of each
species. Instead, the CBC database records them as count-week birds]. On the
evening of December 27, I heard four Horned Owls.—ELIHU LINKLETTER.
