The day was mostly cloudy, with occasional light flurries. A wind out of the northwest with gusts from 20 to 35 kph probably inhibited observer ability to hear birds such as woodpeckers, creepers and kinglets. Temperatures ranged from minus 8 degrees C in the pre-dawn to minus 11 degrees in late afternoon, making it more comfortable than many previous counts. A maximum of about 30 cm of snow on the ground made the use of snowshoes and skis helpful.
Total Observers: 76 Total Species: 25 (average is 27) Total Individuals: 2,743 (average is 4,576) Birds per Party Hour: 14 (average is 25) New Species for the Count: none Count Week Species: Snow Bunting (1 in Visitor Centre parking lot on December 27), and Red-winged Blackbird (immature male at Visitor Centre feeder on December 28). Notable Miss: Barred Owl (not found only once before in 42 previous counts). Winter Finches: -Pine Grosbeak: 39 Some were seen feeding on the abundant samaras of Green Ash (introduced) at Mew Lake Campground entrance and in Whitefish Group Campground. -Red Crossbill: 214 They were noted getting seeds from Black Spruce and Eastern Hemlock cones. At least two call types were thought to be present on the count. -White-winged Crossbill: 466 -Common Redpoll: 59 -Pine Siskin: 6 -American Goldfinch: 73 -Evening Grosbeak: 284 About 175 were at the Visitor Centre feeders. Complete count results are posted at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/christmas_bird_count_results_2016.php Thanks to all the participants and those who helped organize and undertake the count this year. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park CBC Compiler Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400. >From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the Park. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
