The 84th Woodstock CBC was held today (December 16th) in good conditions. Light wind, moderate temperatures (-5) and light snow only in the morning produced great viewing conditions and perfect conditions for pishing in lots of birds. Despite still water being entirely frozen, these good birding conditions led to 70 species being seen on count day - our second highest total ever (highest was 72 in 2011). 37,454 individuals were recorded. One new species was recorded for the count: 3 Common Ravens were seen (2 by Ken Dance's group and 1 by James Holdsworth's group). This species is now breeding in Oxford County so we had been expecting it on the count for a few years.
Unusual species included: Cackling Goose (4 - 10th count) American Wigeon (1 - 4th count) Sandhill Crane (28 - 3rd count) Peregrine Falcon (1 - 4th count) Hermit Thrush (1 - 10th count) Bohemian Waxwing (1 - 3rd count) Chipping Sparrow (1 - 3rd count) White-crowned Sparrow (1 - 7th count) Rusty Blackbird (1 - 6th count) Red Crossbill (1 - 9th count) High counts: Bald Eagle - 7 (previous high 6 in 2012 and 2013) Pileated Woodpecker - 6 (ties 2008) Winter Wren - 7 (previous high 4 in 2009 and 2010) Red-winged Blackbird - 20 (tied 2011) Notable misses (if you see these or other species you think may be of interest, please let me know): Mute Swan (see frozen into the ice at Southside Park yesterday) Ruffed Grouse Snowy Owl (not normally seen on this count but they have been in the count area) Thanks to all the counters we had this year and especially to John Harvey who hosted the post-count meal and compilation. We have now seen 131 species on the Woodstock CBC over the 84 years (plus 4 count week only). Best wishes for count season! Jeff -- Jeff Skevington Phone: 613-720-2862 E-mail: [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
