The West Humber Naturalists held their 24th annual CBC on Dec. 19th, in the coldest conditions ever for this count. 33 participants braved the weather to count near-record low numbers for birds (9892) and species(51). Average number of birds is 15,000 and species is 57.
High numbers were seen for only a few species (Canada Goose, Cooper's Hawk, American Goldfinch). Low numbers were seen for many species; we had a record low for American Kestrel with only 5 birds; our average is 30. Expected species which we missed were Ruffed Grouse and Swamp Sparrow. Highlight birds included our 5th record for both Hermit Thrush and Eastern Towhee. Count Week Birds (so far) are Red-winged Blackbird and Black-backed Woodpecker. Other good birds were: Great Blue Heron 1 Hooded Merganser 3 Common Merganser 6 N. Saw-whet Owl 1 Winter Wren 2 Snow Bunting 540 Purple Finch 1 Common Redpoll 19 Pine Siskin 6 Bill Edmunds CBC Compiler
