The fourth Linwood CBC was held Monday, December 28 under less than ideal conditions. Visibility was fair in the morning but was reduced to less than 100m by early afternoon due to blowing snow. As a result raptor numbers recorded were way down, despite it being a decent year in the area (we estimate raptor numbers are actually about double what we counted).
51 species were recorded, 2 above the average of the previous three counts. Five new species were found for the count (American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Goshawk, Great Black-backed Gull, and Bohemian Waxwing) bringing the cumulative species list to 75. Here are some of the other highlights: -high numbers of waterfowl below Conestogo dam, including the aforementioned Wigeon and Ring-necked Duck -Bald Eagle; second year in a row one has been present along the Conestogo River -Red-shouldered Hawk; the regular Hawkesville bird has returned for its 7th winter -Red-tailed Hawk: 56 (previous low 68) -Rough-legged Hawk: 78 (previous low 92) -American Kestrel: 7 (previous low 17) -Snowy Owl: missed -Great Black-backed Gull: 4; a small flock flying over was new for the count -Cedar Waxwing: missed for the first time, but a flock of Bohemians was seen at Conestogo Dam -Snow Bunting: 3228 (previous high 410); the blustery weather always seems good for seeing Snow Buntings -Savannah Sparrow: 1 bird was possibly seen on the side of the road near Conestogo Reservoir, but flushed before the identification could be confirmed. If you have any questions about the count please email me privately. Thanks to the counters who helped make this year's count another success. Mike Burrell [email protected] _________________________________________________________________ Eligible CDN College & University students can upgrade to Windows 7 before Jan 3 for only $39.99. Upgrade now! http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691819_______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
