Forwarding on behalf of Cliff Bennett: 2014 Lanark Highlands Bird Count Records Lowest Numbers
12th year of the annual Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 30. Results recorded 2640 birds. Compare this to the highest count on record, in 2010, when 4276 birds were counted. The average count is 3574 so the 2014 count was almost 1000 birds below average. This year’s count of 34 species showed the 2nd lowest number of species since the count began in 2003. The highest year was to date was in 2012 with 42 species recorded. An average number of 32 counters in the field (7 fewer field counters than last year) and 18 feeder counters (one fewer feeder counter than last year). Low results can be attributed to the weather; no snow cover, high pressure zone and brilliant sunlight and fewer counters. In spite of the low count, two records were achieved; 14 pileated woodpeckers seen was two more than the 12 found last year and in 2007. 115 white breasted nuthatches were counted, 14 more than the record so far in 2009. Even with much open water, only Canada geese were recorded. During Count week though, two common mergansers and a black duck were sighted. Wild turkeys were very low (98), well below the average of 162. No purple finches or pine grosbeaks or waxwings were seen or heard this year and only six snow buntings were recorded. There were no owls spotted on Count day although a barred owl was counted during Count week. Almost all species counted were below average in numbers but hairy woodpeckers, cardinals and blue jays were above average in numbers. The Feeder Counts were down by over a third with only 797 birds from 1524 counted in 2012. Important bird species listed during Count week included common merganser, black duck, great blue heron and a barred owl. Sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists. Radius centered on Watson's Corners. Count organizer Marilyn Barnett, [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
