Results of the 43rd Long Pt CBC held 20 December are in. Forty observers counted 25,193 individuals. The weather cooperated with a high of 32 degrees F, a mix of sun and clouds and winds 10 - 15 mph from the northwest. While not quite as frozen as last year, the marshes and Inner Bay were about 90% frozen resulting in mostly lower waterfowl and gull numbers and absolutely no shorebirds. The 110 species tallied was the 6th highest total ever and above the long-term average of 101. One new species was added bringing the all-time total to 184.
Record high totals included:
3611 Canada Geese
4 Turkey Vultures
106 Sandhill Cranes
15 Red-bellied Woodpeckers
9 Pileated Woodpeckers
1778 Dark-eyed Juncos (including 2 Oregons)
Noteworthy sightings included:
1 Surf Scoter
2 Merlins
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Eastern Phoebe
2 Pine Warblers
3 Chipping Sparrows
2 Fox Sparrows
3 Brewer's Blackbirds
1 Baltimore Oriole (1st ever)
Increased numbers of all woodpeckers were noted and winter finches present included Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll. Interestingly, no adult male Purple Finches were seen.
One advantage of having the count pushed back to the 20th is that Horned Larks were present in good numbers. Here at Long Point, praticola larks leave around the first week of December and alpestris larks don't arrive until the 3rd week or so. Most years when the count is held around the 14th, Horned Larks are almost (if not) entirely absent.
A big thanks to the observers (many of whom have particpated in over 25 of the 43 years) who came out this year. All results will be posted to the Audubon CBC website in a few days.
Ron Ridout
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
115 Front St.
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Phone: W:519-586-3531
Fax: 519-586-3532
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ron Ridout <[emailprotected]>
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