Results for the Kingston CC 2012 Summary by Dr. Ron Weir, Compiler for the Kingston CC
A total of 58 birders faced unpleasant weather (rain and freezing rain) on Sunday 16 Dec 2012 and amassed a total of 108 different species of birds. This lies above the 21-year average of 103 species and below the record high of 113 in the year 1993. Water birds were abundant (27 different species) thanks to the open water promoted by the warmer weather through early December. Once the open water freezes, most of the waterfowl will move on southwards as they need fresh water for drinking and washing. Hawks were in lower numbers than usual, mainly due to a scarcity of rodents on Wolfe Island as these small mammals undergo population changes between boom and bust. These raptors fly on southwards searching for food sources. Land birds were difficult to find as they sheltered quietly in thickets to escape the wind and wet. Feeder activity was also reduced as a result of the weather. The normal exodus during autumn of many land birds had already occurred. Blackbirds were scarce as the large flocks had already pushed on to the south. Record high tallies were recorded for the following species: Snow Goose (116), Canada Goose (35,223), Mute Swan (97), Gadwall (819), American Wigeon (412), Hooded Merganser (210), Red-breasted Merganser (6950), Red-bellied Woodpecker (13), Black-capped Chickadee (1116), Dark-eyed Junco (235). Low tallies were realised for the following species: Northern Harrier (8), Rough-legged Hawk (3, in years of abundant rodents on Wolfe Island, their total can reach 90 birds), Red-winged Blackbird (3!!), Common Grackle (1!!), Brown-headed Cowbird (2!!), and Snow Bunting (110). Interesting finds (not in record numbers) include 955 Tundra Swans, 15 Bald Eagles, 12 Snowy Owls, 436 Mourning Doves, 276 crows, and 63 cardinals. Single rarities for the season always turn up and are the Lesser Black-backed Gull (4th ever), Orange-crowned Warbler (2nd ever), Sandhill Crane (2nd ever), Common Yellowthroat (4th ever), and Tufted Titmouse (5th ever). The observers travelled 98 km on foot, 962 km by car and 28 km by boat. The total number of birds counted of all 108 species is 69,013. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
