A Test of Observational Productivity

My recent Waterfowl Prowls may have featured a fairly humdrum list of species, but we are located rather far inland and in metropolitan territory at that.  But last year's Great Backyard Bird Count gives me fair support for my observations going into winter 2011-12.  According to that resource, observers spotted these species in Cary in February last year:

Common: Canada Goose, Mallard (shown), Ruddy Duck, Ring Billed Gull, Herring Gull*

Less Common: Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser

Not Many: Mute Swan*, Ring Necked Duck, Great Blue Heron

Hardly Any: Greater Scaup*, Common Loon (??), Double Crested Cormorant.

I picked up all but those marked with an asterisk in my latest sweeps.  And added Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler to boot.  Plainly we can conclude that either Cary is no ducky hotspot (true), or that I am a less than productive observer (often true!), or that the GBBC didn't get enough data (likely true).  But no matter which, I am certain I'm doing about as good a job as the territory affords.

Later this week I can put my productivity to a greater test when I take my annual progress to North Carolina's waterfowl-rich eastern coast.  Can't wait!