The second annual Middle Peninsula Audubon Christmas Bird Count occurred on Sunday, Dec. 27, in three counties of the Middle Peninsula.

PHOTO BY TOM CROCKETTAn Eastern Towhee spotted at Woods Cross Roads in Gloucester.

Thirty-seven observers counted birds in the 15-mile diameter area that covered parts of King and Queen County, Middlesex County, and Gloucester County.

This is the 121st year that the Audubon Christmas Bird Counts have taken place all across the country during a three-week period in December and January. This year, COVID-19 limitations were evident in smaller group sizes, use of masks and social distancing to ensure the safety of the participants.

Compiler for the count, Susan Crockett of Gloucester, reports that 78 species were identified with a total count of birds at 7,417. These numbers were very close to the totals for the 2019 Middle Peninsula count. Participants in the count came from Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland and Williamsburg.

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