I have compiled, to the best of my abilities, the current standings in the 
2007 Skyline Chili Challenge. I counted the board at 4:00 this afternoon 
[Fri Feb 2] and attached is the current totals. Cardinal Cins are currently 
in the lead with 72, followed closely by Team Cuckoo (70) and Aves 
Confuseus (68).  January was a good month--and we're off to a great 
start!!!! Maybe this Eurasian Wigeon, the 266 species found in the history 
of the Chili Challenge, is sign of even better things to 
come!!!  Interestingly, this year's winter finches, such as crossbills, 
siskins, purple finches, etc are far and few between [largely nonexistant] 
. Swans are similarly hard to come by. We have had such notable species as 
Ross's Goose, Long-eared Owl, Northern Shrike, not to mention the Cackling 
Goose and Eurasian Wigeon currently at Camp Dennison, already this 
year--much better than the start of 2006 Challenge.
On another quick note: Jimmy K. and I took a quick trip to look for the 
Redpoll over by Camden. No luck, but in the fields mentioned in the initial 
report the farmers have spread manure and huge numbers [in the hundreds] of 
Horned Larks, sprinkled with Lapland Longspurs, are feeding on the 
waste---if we get more snow these birds might be more easily seen and might 
be a great place to keep an eye on.
Check out the standings--keep up the good work--and be happy with the 
knowledge that even though Casey is not playing this year he is still not 
in the lead!!!!
Cheers
Dave