UPDATE: The 2025 Willmar Area Christmas Bird Count has made headlines with a remarkable new discovery and a shocking decline in sightings. During the count on December 20, 2025, veteran birder and co-organizer Joel Schmidt observed two common ravens, marking this the first time this species has been recorded in the Willmar area count’s history.
This year’s count, which celebrates its 64th anniversary, also marks the 126th annual count conducted nationwide by the National Audubon Society. The sighting of the common raven highlights a significant change in bird populations, as these winter residents from Minnesota’s northern forests are expanding their range southward.
However, the count also faced a dramatic decline in a staple species. Only one Canada goose was spotted, a stark contrast to last year’s count of 1,121 and 4,597 two years ago. With more than 6,000 Canada geese recorded in previous years, the dramatic decrease is alarming. Organizers attribute this scarcity to harsh weather conditions, with limited open water observed on local lakes and rivers.
Despite these challenges, participants counted a total of 3,291 individual birds across 51 different species, surpassing the average count of 36 species. The top bird seen this year was the cedar waxwing, with an impressive 739 individuals recorded. Other notable counts included 456 black-eyed juncos and 131 trumpeter swans.
Participants braved moderately cold temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, logging 13.75 miles on foot and 557.5 driving miles throughout the day. The count mobilized 26 citizen scientists, with many gathering afterwards for a dinner at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar to discuss their findings.
In a poignant note, the count mourned the loss of longtime participant Dave Lais, who passed away just two days before the event at age 87. Lais was a passionate advocate for birding and conservation as the former manager of Sibley State Park and a valued member of the community.
As the Willmar Area Bird Count looks to the future, the observation of common ravens brings hope amidst alarming trends in other bird populations. With the number of species recorded now at 117 in the count’s history, birders will continue to monitor these changes closely.
NEXT: Participants and organizers will analyze the implications of this year’s findings and prepare for the next count, while bird lovers across the region reflect on the shifting dynamics of avian populations in Minnesota.
