Christmas Bird Count May Have Set Species Record

So far, 184 species counted -- but data may be revised.

Record warm weather -- and a record number of birds.

The annual Christmas bird count last Friday in San Francisco may have unearthed a new top number of bird species -- 183, by preliminary count.

But it may be premature for the ornithologically-minded among us to begin celebrating: Oakland's initial bird count was a record-breaking 184 species spotted, but has since been reduced to 182 on further inspection of the data, according to Bay Nature.

Among the highlights: a Burrowing Owl seen near Fort Funston, a Tropical Kingbird in South City, and a gang of Snowy Plovers at Ocean Beach.

A notable absence was the California Quail -- the state bird, now a provision for hungry dogs and therefore not seen often, Bay Nature reported.

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