Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton A Baltimore Oriole, a bird that typically migrates to the Caribbean for the winter, was spotted during this year’s Christmas Bird Count. Over 4,500 birds were counted by 50 people during the 81st version of the count.

Fifty counters took place in the 2023 version of the Warren County Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held on Dec. 16.

“This was Warren County’s 81st CBC in conjunction with the 124th national Audubon’s CBC,” Mike Toole explained.

Fewer birds were counted this year than in a typical year.

“The warm weather prior to the count and lack of snow and ice cover contributed to a low count of 4,535 total birds with the 10-year average being 5,915,” Toole explained, “but the total species count was normal at 59.”

The most unusual bird spotted? A Baltimore Oriole.

Toole said this was just the fifth sighting of an oriole during the Warren Christmas Bird Count.

“Count week is the three days prior to and after the actual count day,” he added. “Any bird species not seen on count day can be added to the official total count.”

New maximum counts occurred for the Wood Duck — from six to seven — and Eastern Bluebird –59 up from 19.

“Other bird species that had high counts were 17 adult Bald Eagle, 68 American Robin, and 38 Golden-crowned Kinglet,” Toole said. “Low counts for the following species occurred, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, Northern Cardinal, and House Finch.”

According to the Audubon organization, 27 conservationists created the initial count in 1900 as a way of promoting conservation “by counting, rather than hunting, birds on Christmas Day….”

The CBC happens in over 20 countries.

Toole said that the 2024 date is set for Saturday, Dec. 14.