LESSER GOLDFINCH, Foggy Morn, NORTHERN FLICKER. Photo Credits: Liz Gayner. Report by Liz Gayner. 

Roseburg–Sutherlin Christmas Bird Count 2025: A Strong Showing for Species and Community

The birding community gathered on December 20, 2025, for the Christmas Bird Count, contributing another rich set of observations to the National Audubon Society’s 126th year of this celebrated citizen science tradition. A total of 48 volunteers participated in 18 survey groups, supported by five (5) feeder-watch participants, making this one of the most robust efforts in recent years.

Survey teams faced chilly December weather, with temperatures ranging from 33 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and light southeast winds throughout the day. Fog settled into several survey areas in the morning, adding an extra challenge for visibility.

Participants logged a substantial amount of time and distance during the count. Survey teams spent 60 hours on foot and 52 hours traveling by car, covering a total of 407 miles during daylight surveys. Nocturnal birders added another 6 hours and 17 miles under the night sky, while feeder watchers contributed 5.5 hours of observation from home. This combined effort ensured thorough coverage of habitats ranging from residential areas, ponds and wetlands, and riparian corridors to conifer and oak woodlands, open farmland, and forest edges.

Species Totals and Notable Sightings

The count produced 110 species, just under the long-term average of 112 for the Roseburg Sutherlin circle, with 19,752 individual birds recorded. The ten most numerous species this year were EUROPEAN STARLING (4067), AMERICAN ROBIN (2071), CANADA GOOSE (1252), DARK EYED JUNCO (1213), BREWER’S BLACKBIRD (1174), AMERICAN WIGEON (751), AMERICAN COOT (534), MALLARD (530), AMERICAN CROW (414), and BLACKCAPPED CHICKADEE (456).

Raptor observations were strong, with ten species of diurnal raptors observed, though notably absent this year was the MERLIN. Nocturnal teams had an especially productive night, detecting five owl species including BARN OWL (3), WESTERN SCREECH OWL (1), GREAT HORNED OWL (10), NORTHERN PYGMY OWL (7), and NORTHERN SAW WHET OWL (1).

Waterfowl diversity remained high, with 22 species of ducks and geese observed.
Highlights included BARROW’S GOLDENEYE (4) and CANVASBACK (17). Woodpeckers were also well represented, with eight species recorded across the survey area, including LEWIS’S WOODPECKER (6).

Three warbler species were observed, with YELLOW RUMPED WARBLER (285) being the most abundant. Sparrow diversity was strong as well, with nine species documented, including SWAMP SPARROW (2) at Ford’s Pond. Other notable species included AMERICAN PIPIT (10) and MARSH WREN (1).

Four species not typically included among the 130 common species documented within the survey area were recorded this year. These included CINNAMON TEAL (2), TURKEY VULTURE (1), the nonnative MUSCOVY DUCK (1), and a particularly notable new addition to the circle list, CALIFORNIA TOWHEE (1).

A Community Effort with Lasting Impact

The Christmas Bird Count thrives on community involvement, and turnout for 2025 reflects a strong local commitment to conservation and citizen science. The data collected helps track long-term population trends and contributes to a continent-wide understanding of winter bird distribution and trends.

With another successful count completed, the Umpqua Valley Audubon looks ahead to 2026 with enthusiasm and welcomes new participants eager to join this meaningful winter tradition. Mark your calendar for the 2026 Roseburg-Sutherlin count scheduled for
December 19!

More bird pictures below! CANADA GOOSE, SONG SPARROW, DARK EYED JUNCO, SHARP SHINNED HAWK. Photo credits: Liz Gayner.  BARROW’S GOLDENEYE and COMMON GOLDENEYE.  Photo credit: Joe Bushman