The 55th Annual West Elgin Christmas Bird Count was held on December 27th, 2002 on a mostly overcast day, with light flurries, and moderate winds from west, northwest and a temperature of -5C. A total of 74 courageous observers tallied a total of 74 species (lowest since 1998, when the Club also recorded 74 species. The normal average is approximately 80 species), with a total of 13,460 birds (lowest number since 1999 when only 13,367 were tallied and much lower than the normal average of 16,000-17,000 birds).
Highlight species: 1 Goshawk, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Merlin, 1 Long Eared Owl, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 3 Red-headed Woodpeckers, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Brewer's Blackbirds, 12 Rusty Blackbirds, and 1 Vesper Sparrow. The return of the winter Red-headed Woodpeckers to our annual CBC was a joyous occasion after a two year absence. Numbers of most common species were generally lower, mostly owing to poor visibility and conditions. Some of the lowest Gull counts ever recorded on our count also occurred this year. An exception included an all-time record high of 16 Bald Eagles (numbers were reviewed to try to ensure no double counting - with 3 active nests in the count circle and two others within close proximity, this number seems plausible). Notable missed species included Great Blue Heron, Mallard and Black Ducks, all of the Scoters, Snowy Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Common Grackle, Hermit Thrush, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Evening or Pine Grosbeaks and Chipping Sparow. Along with our traditional potluck dinner, an enjoyable program was offerred at the end of day by Elizabeth Sebastian and her husband, Graham Warwick, that included an interesting talk and slide show about their trip to Thailand to the World Peace Conference. Thanks to all who participated in another successful count and good birding in 2003! Cheers, George Prieksaitis West Elgin Nature Club Christmas Bird Count Compiler [EMAIL PROTECTED]
