*Pickering Christmas Bird Count January 2, 2016*
Pickering held its 63rd Christmas Bird Count on Saturday January 2, 2016. The count was sponsored by Pickering Naturalists. A total of 68 species were counted, slightly above our 14-year average of 66.4 species per count. Our highest count for this period was 77 species on Dec. 30, 2012. The number of individual birds tallied this year was 19, 466, an increase of 37% over our previous CBC. There were 29 field observers and 6 feeder watchers. The day started off somewhat cold at - 4.3 degrees C and warmed up to -1.8 degrees C. Wind was from the southwest, rather higher than forecast, with gusts to at least 41 km/hour. The marshes and bays were essentially frozen after a brief cold snap, with only very limited ice on the shoreline. There was a very thin light layer of snow at the lakeshore with slightly more farther north toward the moraine. No new species were recorded for the count (but see count week species, discussed below). Common Loon (1) was seen for the second time – the previous record was in 1991. We had a new high count of 6 for Common Raven (the previous maximum was 4 in 2014). This was only our fourth year for this species. A new record of 9 birds was also set for Great Blue Herons, with seven of them in the same tree at Corner Marsh (the previous maximum was 8 birds, on 3 occasions - in 1987, 2001 and 2006). Mild temperatures also favoured Northern Shovelers, with a highest-ever count of 14 (the previous maximum was 13 in 2001). This species was seen on only 4 previous occasions. Double-crested Cormorants put in a good showing, too, with a record-high tally of 2 birds. Our first CBC sighting was in 2000, and only single birds had been seen up to this year. The Wood Duck at Frenchman’s Bay was also a bit unexpected, as it was only the third record for this species. Common Grackle was seen (3 birds) for just the third time since 1991. The CBC recorded second-highest tallies for two ducks, two woodpeckers and one finch. The tally of 2 for Green-winged Teal (the maximum was 3 in 1982) was only the fifth record for the species. Similarly, the count of 426 Long-tailed Ducks was close to the maximum-ever of 441 in 1994. At 9 individuals, the tally of Red-bellied Woodpeckers was only slightly lower than the maximum-ever of 13 on last year’s CBC. For Northern Flicker, the count was 3 birds (the maximum was 4 in 1974, 1976, 1977 and 2012). A tally of 7 Red Crossbills was quite high (the maximum was 35 in 1967). We also had our third-highest tally (7) for White-winged Scoter (the maximum was 68 in 1994), as well as our 4th highest tally (6) for Northern Harrier (the maximum was 20 in 1995). Cackling Goose (1) was seen for the fifth time. The first sighting was in 2006. Other noteworthy records included Northern Pintail (1) and Hooded merganser (2), each seen in 14 previous years. We had a win-win in the swan department. There was a tally of 21 Trumpeters, our third-highest ever (the previous maximum was 30 in 2012). For the highly undesirable Mute Swan, our count was extremely low at only one bird – our lowest tally in 15 years. If only this count reflected the actual population of this disruptive alien species, with its negative impacts on local marsh birds. For two species, the CBC had the lowest tally in fifteen years, namely Common Goldeneye (84) and Red-breasted Nuthatch (4). Other under-represented species were Cooper’s Hawk (2 – the lowest in 13 years), Wild Turkey (8 – the lowest in 12 years), Red-tailed Hawk (24 – the lowest in 11 years), and Greater Scaup (364 – significantly lower than usual). Count week observations included 7 species: Lesser Scaup, Bald Eagle, Long-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Gray Catbird, Orange-crowned Warbler (no previous records), and Rusty Blackbird. These birds were all seen at either Lynde Shores Conservation Area / Cranberry Marsh or Frenchman’s Bay. The Pickering count was initiated by Dr. J. Murray Speirs on Jan. 2, 1949, and has been carried out for 63 years (with an unfortunate lapse of 5 years from 1995 to 1999). The count area extends from the shores of Lake Ontario north to the Oak Ridges moraine. It is centered at latitude 43.902 degrees north, and longitude 79.097 degrees west. The CBC area incorporates the neighbouring community of Ajax, as well as portions of Lynde Shores Conservation Area, including part of Cranberry Marsh, in Durham Region. Many thanks to all of the counters and feeder watchers, and especially to our hosts for the wrap-up, Jonathan and Rosemary Oliver. Our hard-working CBC compiler is Glenda Jones, ably assisted by Dan Shire and Karen McKillop. Data curmudgeon and historical analysis is by yours truly. Sorry for the very late posting. Steve LaForest Pickering Naturalists _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
