Hello everyone The St. Catharines Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday December 19th. I haven't got all the results yet but here are a few highlights (and lowlights). The total number of species was 70 (below average). The total count of birds so far is 12,195 which is the lowest in 18 years. Yikes. Duck numbers in general are down but this may be due to a fog bank which had an impact on visibility along the Lake Ontario shoreline. We had record highs of Red-bellied Woodpeckers (27) and Tufted Titmouse (19). We also had a Merlin (not on the last 8 counts) and a Pine Siskin (not on the last 7 counts). A report of two House Wrens would be a first record on our count. We also had some low counts (too many) - no Turkeys or Bluebirds; record low for Red-breasted Nuthatches; and the lowest counts in 14 years for Mourning Doves; Blue Jays and Song Sparrow. Crow numbers remained low, about the same number as last year. Let me know if you would like any further details Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Marcie Jacklin Fonthill, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED]
