The Audubon Society’s annual Lake Leelanau Christmas count saw an average number of bird species in 2025, compared to a record-breaking year in 2024.
The Lake Leelanau bird count was compiled by volunteers’ data to see what birds are hanging out in Leelanau County throughout the winter, according to Northwestern Michigan College biology professor Kirk Waterstripe and Nate Crane.
“This is a pretty average bird count, and weather-wise was good. A big thing is visibility ... We were able to park and walk safely,” Waterstripe said.
Volunteers reported 4,774 individual species and 57 total species.
Over 25 volunteers participated, with seven located at various bird feeders.
Waterstripe said one surprise was the count of three Winter Rens, which are a tiny brown bird that lives in the Cedar swamp, that is about the size of a human thumb.
“They have a huge voice,” he said. “The Winter Ren is a common breeding resident around the county, and in the thickets of the Cedar swamps. They usually leave in the fall, and I don’t know if it’s been mild for them. This is a weird year for Winter Rens migrating.”
Waterstripe went on to say the Eastern Bluebird, American Robbins were well represented, but not a record.
Over 280 Canadian Geese were reported, while the Common Goldeneye had 408, along with 413 Mallards.
Other bird statistics: Black-capped Chickadee 399; European Starling 800; Dark-eyed Junco 110; American Robin 127; Blue Jay 139; Mourning Dove 197; Rock Pigeon 125; Ring-billed Gull 95, among a few of 57 species reported.
All birds considered, Waterstripe said 2025 was an average year, coming down from a higher-than-expected count in 2024, which broke the record with 69 species, compared to the previous record of 65.
