The 33rd Annual Anza-Borrego Desert Bird Count took place on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Results are now complete, says Bob Theriault, count coordinator. Seventy-three participants counted and identified 9721 birds at nineteen count areas.

The most birds were counted at de Anza Country Club (1645), Roadrunner Club (1580) and Club Circle (1066). The White-crowned sparrow was the most seen (1244) and the White-winged dove (1006) was second. There is a decline in numbers over the last two years. For example, in 2013 1,827 House Finches were counted. This year, only 610. Plenty of hummingbirds and warblers. Just a few hawks – not yet arrived.

While there has been a significant decline in numbers over the last two years, there were some nice surprise visitors we have never seen before. Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Summer Tanager, Barn Swallow, and Eurasian Wigeon.