BECKY'S Sage

I am thrilled about the success of the 62nd annual Oceanville Christmas Bird Count. Over fifty bird watchers spend a cold day, out in the field, counting at least 119 species of birds for the 115th annual The National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count at, and in a 15 mile diameter circle around the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Many Atlantic Audubon Society and DVOC - The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club members were there. Thanks to all who participated. ...All of the birders who hoped to join us, but were under the weather, or had prior obligations, we look forward to seeing you next year, on December 19, 2015. Mark your calendars now! The round-up afterwards will be at the Oyster Creek Inn again. Fourteen of us enjoyed great food and even better company, at the get together on Saturday. It was fun to hear the first date stories (birding dates, of course!) of two of the birding couples who were there, one of the first dates was ON a Christmas Bird Count, with an engagement the following year, on the Christmas Bird Count, if I am remembering the story correctly. We also heard stories from two reluctant participants who don't like Christmas Bird Counts, one of whom has since changed her mind, and stories of Christmas Bird Counters who were lucky to escape some CBC territories with their lives. We were very lucky to have a Stockton college student and a recent Stockton graduate along with us. Nick, of 1000 birds, found some nice birds in EHT. We had a surprise addition to the count, who found Golden eagle and Eastern meadowlark, and one birder join us all the way from NYC, and one from Philadelphia. Several of the count participant have been been doing this count for forty years. It is impressive to have such skilled birders out there with us. I am proud to be co-compiler of this count, and grateful that Ed Bristow trusted me enough to turn it over to me, and that Brian Moscatello was willing to take me on as co-compiler. I am only the fourth compiler to be associated with the Oceanville CBC.