This years Carleton Place CBC took place on December 27th. A team of 41 field
and 23 feeder observers spent the day participating in the annual Audubon Bird
Count. The weather was mild with little snow left on the ground.
This year results include 46 species on count day plus two additional species
during the count week, which matches the ten year average. There were 5448
individuals birds which is almost 10% lower than the 10 year average. Notable
was the near complete lack of northern species, including low numbers of
Redpolls, Siskins, Crossbills and Snow Buntings as well as no Bohemian
Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks or Golden-crowned Kinglets. On a positive note,
record highs were recorded for White-breasted Nuthatch (162), Pileated
Woodpecker (16), and Raven (46), as well as Juncos being only 4 short of the
record.
One Snowy Owl arrived early in December and is still resident on the edge of
town. Other Owls included 1 Great Horned and 2 Barred Owls, as well as a
Saw-whet heard during the count week. Raptors included 14 Red-tailed and 2
Rough-legged Hawks, plus 1 Bald Eagle, 1 Northern Harrier, 2 Cooper's and 1
Merlin.
There was nearly 250 Turkeys which is above the average but well below the
record.
My personal thanks to each observer for volunteering their time to contribute
to this important citizen science project and to MVFN for their support.
Best Wishes in 2015
Iain DSB (NC)
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