The 18th Petroglyphs CBC was held on Sunday, December 28th with 19 participants. This count is in the northern part of Peterborough Co. and is centred just above the Petroglyphs Provincial Park and goes north to Apsley. It is on the Canadian Shield. The morning was foggy and the afternoon sunny with a high of 7C. No precipitation and vertually no snow cover. 2563 individual birds (slightly below average ) of 36 species (slightly above average) were found. These were worked hard for. Barred Owl calls and 'pishing' were used to call in the birds because they weren't evident otherwise. Wild food in the bush is just not there!!!
HIGHS Ruffed Grouse (66) Common Redpoll (420). Most of the redpolls were in the 2 northern most sections (Apsley and Lasswade) of the circle and the locals said they came in within the last couple of days. (There were 2 Hoaries identified) 2nd highest counts for Black-capped Chickadee (1368) and White-breasted Nuthatch (77) were probably do the extra effort of calling in the birds made by the participants. LOWEST ever: Blue Jay (37) and American Tree Sparrow (5) -They went south for the winter!!! NEAR LOWS Dark-eyed Juncos 16 -one flock that probably will be departing soon. Other Finches Pine Grosbeaks (6) - mostly individuals American Goldfinch (24)- Evening Grosbeaks (48)- comments by several feeder owners were "I had some/more a few days/a week ago." Pine Siskin -(1) This means NO crossbills, and no Purple or House Finch (they haven't been seen on the count since '97) Other MISSES: Northern Shrike -first time since '89 American Crow- one in count period and have been missed before. OTHER Species of Interest: Black-backed Woodpeckers (2) on the Haultain Ski Trails Gray Jays (3) on the Haultain Ski Trails (which were walked) Bald Eagles (9) mostly near or on the UNIMIN mine site at Nephton which is accessed by special premission only. The bog just before the site had a couple sitting around it. Anne Anthony compiler Peterborough, ON "Anne Anthony" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
