With the National Audubon Society backing the Christmas Bird Count for ascertaining the movement of birds, the extensions of wintering ranges, as well as the expansion of newly introduced species, the 41st Christmas Bird Count in Owatonna on Saturday witnessed the participation of more than 10 avid bird-watchers.

Noting that the bird-watchers participating in Owatonna’s 41st Christmas Bird Count braved the chilly and drizzly weather on Saturday to take part in the event, Darryl Hill – the coordinator of the Owatonna Christmas Bird Count – said that that over 3,000 birds had already been counted by the bird watchers by noon.

Hill also revealed that the bird-watcher group later scanned the 15-mile diameter with Havana Township at the center; with the area chiefly including Owatonna, Claremont, the Clinton Falls, and Steele Center townships.

According to the details shared by Hill, a group of eight bird-watchers spotted 1,500 Canadian geese, along with 500 mallard ducks, five trumpeter swans, and three coots at Lake Kohlmeier. In addition, three eagles, and a few pheasants and turkeys were also spotted by the group.

Revealing that 4,213 individual birds had been counted and 45 different species had been identified by the bird-watchers’ group at last year’s Owatonna Christmas Bird Count, Hill said: “We are doing much better this year. Kohlmeier is open, and weather is a huge factor.”