The complete list of bird species seen during this year’s Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua is now available here.

Chautauqua participants scan for birds in the Bodie Hills. Photo by Elin Ljung.

Chautauqua-goers flocked to the Mono Basin in record numbers this year but not so for the birds. With a late, cold spring the total species tally for Chautauqua week was notably down (166 species compared to 184 seen in 2010). Some species that are usually reliably present were absent and overall numbers of common species were reduced.

But that did nothing to dampen the spirits of all in attendance—we had spectacular weather and field trips were rewarded with up-close views of many beautiful creatures. Some of the highlights include: multiple Common Loons, bighorn sheep, 12+ species of small mammals, 15+ species of dragonflies, and Mono County’s fifth record of a Heerman’s Gull seen from the end of the boardwalk at County Park during Sunday’s picnic!

We look forward to seeing everyone for next year’s Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, June 15–17, 2011. Save the date!

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 31st, 2011 at 4:06 pm and is filed under Community, Education, Mono Lake Committee News, Seasonal Update. You can view No Responses on this post or leave your own response if you log in.