Twitchers Out of the Rye 2020 – after event
The 2020 Twitchers with the Townie Award, from left to right, Becky Suomala, Kathryn Frieden, Andrea Robbins, Susan Wrisley. Photo by Susan Carlson, courtesy of Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center.
Twitchers Have a Record Superbowl of Birding!
The Twitchers out of the Rye had a great time Saturday, 1/25/20 in the Superbowl of Birding. Susan Wrisley, Andrea Robbins, Kathryn Frieden and Becky Suomala were in the town of Hampton for the second year and had their highest totals ever for the Twitchers with 66 species (previous record 63) and 119 points (previous 118). The temperatures were above freezing which is always great for the birders, and the rain held off until we were all at the compilation.
The strong east wind blew in some alcids but also made sea watching more challenging with rough surf. It took until 4:30 and near darkness before they got a Red-throated Loon and they never did get a Red-necked Grebe. Figuring out the best owling spots for Hampton is still a challenge but they managed to turn up a Barred Owl and then a Snowy Owl at Hampton Beach State Park.
They won the “Townie Award” for the most species in one town. Highlights included three new species for the Twitchers: Northern Harrier, Black-bellied Plover, and Lapland Longspur. They also had a Swamp Sparrow for the second time ever. Two Thick-billed Murres that flew overhead and a nice flyby Razorbill were also highlights. Check the full summary below (to be posted when complete).
Thanks to everyone who pledged their support. It looks like a record-breaking year for donations as well and they all go to support New Hampshire Bird Records and NHeBird (the team pays its own way).
It’s not too late to support the team! Click here to pledge online, or click here to pay online for a pledge you have already made, or contact Becky Suomala at rsuomala@nhaudubon.org or 603-224-9909 x309.
Past Years’ Results
To read the expanded summary, see the full list of species, or look at past years’ results, click the links below.
| Year | Species | Points | Town | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 66 | 119 | Hampton | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2019 | 63 | 118 | Hampton | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2018 | 59 | 104 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2017 | 59 | 93 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2016 | 59 | 95 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2015 | 59 | 100 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2014 | 58 | 104 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2013 | 62 | 106 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2012 | 58 | 95 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2011 | 57 | 94 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2010 | 53 | 78 | Rye | View Summary article (pdf) |
| 2009 | 63 | 112 | Rye |
View a chart showing the species list and points from 2009 through 2020.
Listen to the NHPR story recorded by Annie Ropeik on the 2018 Twitchers: https://www.nhpr.org/post/birding-bowl-2018-audubon-showdown-draws-flock-nh-seacoast#stream/0