A little quiz

[Gord]

Here is a shot of a flock of bohemian waxwings. The challenge is to look at the flock for about 5 seconds (average viewing time in the field) then make a guess. I think the picture gives about the same view as through 8X binoculars.



I have counted the birds and have the exact number. This number is almost embarassingly different from what I guessed, and I had the benefit of seeing them in real time. You can vote in the poll by choosing the number closest to your guess, and make your comments or express frustration as well by replying to the message like a regular message.

I will post the number (it's tough to count them without enlarging the image and marking off each bird after it was counted) after everyone's had a chance to play.

Have fun, and good luck.

[JeffOver]

Hi Gord:
My guess is 60 birds. I did it in about 8 seconds. I mentally drew a small square around 1 section, counted 4, and wildly guessed there were about 15 squares the same size encompassing the flock. I read that in a bird book somewhere, so we'll see if it works. I imagine it's a lot harder when the flock's actually moving though. Beautiful close-up pictures of the Bohemians--wow!!! ;D I'd love to see them!
--Jeff

P.S.--Okay, now that I see the poll I see 60 isn't even an option; looks like I need to work on this a bit!!! So I'll go with 80, but now I have the feeling that it's way more.

[b1schmor]

My guess was 200.

Brent

[tmanson]

Gord: I'm saying 220. Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B. C.

[Gord]

Ill post the number early next week.

Thor, you can vote in the poll at the top of the page if you like.

[Gord]

Alright, here's the answer.

There are 194 in that flock. I was off by almost 40 birds. Yikes!

[b1schmor]

Gord, now that you've finished with them, send them to Abbotsford. I have always wanted one on my Abby list.

Brent

[Gord]

With all those numbers up there, it cant be unrealistic to expect to see them down here too. Once that snow gets deeper and covers the food, they have to go somewhere. Why travel far when there's lots of berries down in the valley? That's what I tell them anyway.

Stake out the good berry trees and shrubs. I bet they'll produce. I have two places near to home Ill be checking regularly again this winter. One of them produced a small number of Bohemian waxwings last winter and both had ceder waxwings as well. Now for a fieldfare or dusky thrush! (pretty please?)