It was a magnificent sunny day with “winter wonderland” scenery! However, count results were negatively affected to an unknown extent by cold temperatures (minus 26 degrees C. at dawn to minus 15 degrees at dusk), lower than usual numbers of birds utilizing feeders, and fog rising all day off the remaining open water areas of the bigger lakes. Fortunately, the river was open and mostly fog-free. Preliminary results follow:
Total Observers: 24. Total Species: 38 (average is 39). Total Individuals: 2,530 (average is 3,032). New Species for the Count: Snowy Owl (1). Cumulative Species Total: 92 Unusual Species: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Bohemian Waxwing (8), Cedar Waxwing (1 with the Bohemians). Finches (mostly low numbers): Pine Grosbeak (8), Purple Finch (36), Red Crossbill (9), Pine Siskin (41), American Goldfinch (352). Thanks to all the participants. Ron Tozer, Huntsville CBC Compiler, Dwight, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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