The 100th Ottawa-Gatineau Christmas Bird Count took place on Sunday,December 16, 2018. A total of 75 species were reported (average count 72 species). Highlights included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2nd record) and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4th record). It was a pleasant day weather wise with an overnight low of -5c and a daylight high of +2c. With only a few centimeters of snow left on the ground the overall coverage was good. The Ottawa and Rideau Rivers were still mainly open but since the deep freeze during the latter part of November, a number of waterbirds were absent and late lingering land birds disappeared. Fortunately most species of winter finches were found in varying numbers. Other notable species included 4 Barrow's Goldeneye, 3 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Winter Wren, and 1 Swamp Sparrow. There were a number of species missed including Gray Partridge, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Flicker. I'd like to thank the co-compilers, Bernie Ladouceur and Daniel Toussaint, the sector leaders Quebec side: Aylmer: Rod Dubois, Hull:Daniel St. Hilaire, Ontario side: Britannia: Bruce Di Labio, Ottawa: Aaron Hywarren, and Gloucester: Bernie Ladouceur and feeder coordinator Lorraine Elworthy. Finally, on behalf of the Ottawa Field Naturalist Club I'd like to thank the Club des ornithologues de I'Outaouais for organizing the amazing dinner and celebration of both the 100th Ottawa CBC and their club's 40th anniversary. It was a great time! Merry Christmas, Bruce Di Labio
Bruce Di Labio P.O.Box 538 Carp,Ontario K0A 1L0 613-715-2571 new email: dilabiobird...@gmail.com _______________________________________________ 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
