The 41st edition of the Rainier Audubon Christmas Bird Count looked like a typical CBC in the Midwest or East Coast rather than a Pacific Northwestern count. Sub-freezing temperatures greeted CBC leaders in the morning, snow blanketed the ground, and ice covered any standing water. The forecast called for a cold and slushy day, but the atmosphere was merciful and outside of some light afternoon rain, the weather was mundane and dry. However, the weather played an integral role in count totals. Continue Reading →