Wow! We had a great day! Forty-seven birders organized themselves into thirteen teams and participated in the fourth annual Mega Bowl of Birding in New Haven County on Saturday, February 1st, 2020. We birded all over the county, from Southbury to Wallingford and Milford to Madison. Collectively, we recorded 120 species and amassed 272 points. The rarest sighting of the day was the YELLOW WARBLER found by the CT Young Birders Club Darth Waders at East Shore Park in New Haven. Other rarities included: Great Egret, Clapper Rail, House Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Common Yellowthroat. Uncommon/nearly rare birds that were observed were: Greater White-fronted, Snow, and Cackling Goose, Canvasback, White-winged and Black Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Black-bellied Plover, American Woodcock, Long-eared Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Thrasher, Lapland Longspur, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird. The CYBC Darth Waders saw the most species and accumulated the most points for the fourth year in a row. Everyone had a great time and we all enjoyed the fine dinner and celebration at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby after the day of birding. Prizes were awarded to the winning team, the youngest and oldest participants, and the highest scoring team among the first-time participants. We anticipate another great event next year! Mark your calendars: Mega Bowl V will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 2021!
Chris Loscalzo
Mega Bowl Coordinator