The 43rd Guelph CBC was held on Sunday, December 20. Despite favourable weather conditions, the number of species (57, compared to 60) and number of individuals (15352, compared to 15881) were below the average of recent years.
Of particular interest were 3 Northern Mockingbirds (record high), 1 Northern Pintail, 1 American Coot, 4 Northern Harriers, and 2 Saw-whet Owls (record high). The only other record set was for the Pileated Woodpecker (10, over a previous record of 7), and the number of Wild Turkeys (51) tied the previous record. 75 Turkeys were seen 500m outside the circle! Notable low numbers were recorded for American Kestrel (1, down from a high of 32 in 1986), Great Black-backed Gull (1, down from 56 in 2000 - Guelph closed its dump!). Thanks to all participants, and Happy Holidays to all! Mike Cadman [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
