The 3rd (1902) CBC in Michigan

Michigan's 1st Christmas Bird Census (as the CBC was then known) occurred in December 1902 with two Michigan counts submitted. Bird-Lore's summary of the census was introduced as follows:

BIRD-LORE’S third annual Christmas Bird Census has aroused more than usual interest. Nearly twice as many reports as were sent last year have been received, and the area covered reaches from Prince Edward Island to South Carolina, and west to California. In most instances, the number of birds observed would astonish those people who believe that our woods and fields are deserted by birds in the winter. The abundance of the seed-eaters is especially noticeable, and in view of the facts which lately have been determined concerning their food habits, emphasizes their great economic importance. Source: Bird-Lore 5:16 (1903).

Thus, while 1902 represented the 1^st time that Michigan participated in the CBC, it was actually the 3^rd CBC sponsored by Bird-Lore. The following results were published for the two Michigan counts: 

Waterford, Oakland Co., Mich.—Time, 2 P.M. TO 5:30 P.M. [3.5 hours]. Four inches of snow on ground; northeast wind; very cold. Ruffed Grouse, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Saw-whet Owl (?), 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Prairie Horned Lark, 12; Blue Jay, 2; American Crow (heard), 1; American Goldfinch, 40; Tree Sparrow, 9; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 5; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 20. Total, 15 species, 101 individuals [actually, 103 including Saw-whet Owl and American Crow].—ALEXANDER W. BLAIN, JR.

Port Sanilac, Mich.—December 28, 12 M. to 2 P.M. [2 hours]. Cloudy; ground covered with snow; wind, southwest, moderate; temp. 34o. Mallard, 25; Shore Lark, about 50; Crow, 2; Junco, 4; Tree Sparrow, 2; American Goldfinch, 7; Snowflake, about 150. Total, 7 species, 240 individuals.—HARRIET W. THOMSON.

            Source: Bird-Lore 5:19 (1903)