[Ontbirds] 2019 Toronto Christmas Bird Count results
The 2019 Toronto Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday December 15th. We had clear but windy conditions for our count, and extremely icy trails posed a challenge to the 121 field observers who braved the outdoors. Our 7 feeder watching teams might have had a slightly easier time! Similar to other counts this weekend, we had very low overall numbers of birds at 23,817 individuals, (for context, our highest count was 70,912 in 1998), but the count managed decent diversity at 82 species (our highest ever count was 100 species in both 2012 and 2013). The bird of the day was a single Dunlin seen at Tommy Thompson Park, and a first record for our CBC circle. A number of other unusual sightings included a Turkey Vulture over Humber Bay (recorded on 2 previous counts), a Purple Sandpiper at Tommy Thompson (recorded on 3 previous counts), 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (seen on 5 other counts), and a Swainson's Thrush at Earl Bales (recorded on 2 previous counts). Record highs of Trumpeter Swan (50 individuals) and Red-bellied Woodpecker (15 individuals) were expected given the general increase of these two species locally, but unusually high numbers of American Wigeon (37 individuals, highest count since 2008) are a little harder to explain, especially when paired with an unusually low count of Gadwall (121 individuals, lowest count since 1979). Waterfowl numbers were generally lower than normal, but no regularly seen species were missing altogether. A few notable misses on our count include Glaucous Gull (seen in 51 prior years), Northern Flicker (seen in 66 prior years), Northern Shrike (seen in 63 prior years), and Cedar Waxwing (seen in 59 prior years). Thanks to everyone who counted, with a special shout out to the Toronto Ornithological Club Records Committee (Ivor Williams, Amanda Guercio, Garth Riley, Howard Shapiro, and Mark Field) and our roundup host Ange Brooks! Emily Rondel Toronto Ornithological Club- Records Councillor ___ 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
[Ontbirds] Kleinburg Christmas Bird Count - Dec 15, 2019
The 39th Kleinburg Christmas Bird Count was held yesterday in less than ideal conditions with the help of 25 field observers and 8 deer watchers. Very strong winds and cool temperatures reduced both the number of individuals and species observed below the count averages. There was some open water in flowing rivers and streams and open patches on some of the larger lakes and ponds. A total of 48 species was tallied along with two count week birds (Merlin, Double-crested Cormorant) which is below the count average of 54 and well below the high of 61 species. No new species were seen leaving the total for the count at 117. Approximately 11,000 individual birds were recorded, below the count average of 12,000 and long way from the maximum of 19,000. Good birds for the day included Eastern Bluebird and American Coot. Notable misses included Belted Kingfisher, Snow Bunting, Horned Lark and Northern Harrier. Only two owls were seen, an Eastern Screech Owl and a Great Horned Owl and the number of individual raptors was also quite low. The only species that had high number was, as usual Canada Goose, with 6500 individuals, making up almost two thirds of the total number of birds counted. Thanks to all who helped out Bob Noble - CompilerBrampton ___ 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
[Ontbirds] North Bay Christmas Bird Count preliminary results - Lori Anderson, compiler
North Bay Christmas Bird Count, December 14, 2019 - Preliminary Results Abundant or Increased Counts: Red Breasted Nuthatches,Blue Jays, American Crows and European Starlings each tripled their last year totals; American Tree Sparrows were well counted and American Goldfinch numerous. Specialty and Not Expected Birds Observed: 1 Bufflehead, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 2 Barred Owl; 1 Northern Shrike; 1 Brown Creeper; 6 American Robin; 15 Cedar Waxwing; 1 Northern Cardinal; 6 Common Grackle High Count: broken by Bald Eagle; - 23 Misses: Rough-legged Hawk - 0; Canada Jay - 0; Kinglet - 0; Bohemian Waxwing - 0; Snow Bunting - 0; Pine Grosbeak - 0; Crossbill - 0; Redpoll - 0; Evening Grosbeak - 0 Count Week Species: Peregrine Falcon, Wild Turkey. Totals: 35 species and 3135 individuals. Lori Anderson, Compiler ___ 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
[Ontbirds] Port Burwell-Vienna Count CBC
Otter Valley Naturalists Christmas Bird Count - 2019 - Sunday, December 15 Port Burwell-Vienna Count Circle Twenty-One persons braved the wind and early snow squalls to find 66 species. Our historical average is 76 species, and our high count was 91 in 2011. Total number was down to a new record low of 6130 birds counted. No new species were added to our count circle this year. Our multi-year cumulative total is 135 species since 2006, the first year. Notable misses included American Robin, Sandhill Crane, Belted Kingfisher, Tundra Swan, Merlin and Red-breasted Nuthatch. No Warblers were recorded. Highs include 9 Cackling Geese, Bald Eagles were well represented at 13. Two Golden Eagles were recorded. Rock Pigeons have taken to roosting in the Oberon Class Submarine Museum (in Port Burwell) and came in at an all time high of 537. Thanks to all participants, and Jeff & MaryAnn for preparation of an excellent meal afterwards. And thanks to Luke & Tara for entering the results to the database and Ron Allensen for assisting with the write-up. Joe Stephenson Compiler ___ 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
