The 70th annual Kitchener CBC was held today, December 18. The weather was cloudy in the morning giving way to flurries in the late afternoon. It was a great count with 68 species observed, the second highest ever. highlights were:
Pied-billed Grebe - 1 (4th record) Snow Goose - 3 (5th record, and high count) Northern Harrier - 6 (high count) Northern Goshawk -1 (6th record) Wild Turkey - 53 (2nd record, high count) Long-eared Owl - 1 Short-eared Owl - 1 (4th record) Northern Mockingbird - 1 Dark-eyed Junco - 967 (record high) White-winged Crossbill - 3 And an Ovenbird found by Josh Shea and photographed by Al Woodhouse at Laurel Creek Nature Centre. This can be accessed by exiting Hwy 85 at Northfield Drive and heading west (this changes to Westmount Dr. at the bend), take a right onto Bearinger. Go to next light (Laurelwood Dr.) turn right and go one road to Beaver Creek and make another right. The Nature Centre is on the left, classes are in session during the week. The bird was around the boardwalk in front of the classroom. Two Snowy Owls were outside of the count circle, north of Linwood. These were along the Centre Side Road north of the Conestogo River Thanks to all the participants for putting forth a great effort! Good CBCing, Mike Burrell Heidelberg, Ont. -- MZ
