Mild conditions for the first week of the count period with a large numbers of Canada Geese and Mallards resulted in one of the highest number of birds ever tallied. Forty-nine of 80 species with over 20 individuals counted last year increased this year, a stark contrast to last year's count, when cold weather resulted in decrease in three quarters of those most common species. With 137 species the count compared well to the 140 of two years ago, and far above last year's 126. There were no new species for the count and few rarities. A Lincoln's Sparrow on the St. Paul (North) count, was the 3rd reported on a Minnesota count. Many of the winter arriving species showed high numbers indicative of irruption years including Snowy Owls, Northern Shrike, redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, and Red Crossbills. In addition, Rough-legged Hawk and woodpecker numbers were strong. In contrast, it was a poor year for gulls, American Robins, House Sparrows, juncos, and goldfinches. Overall, a very...