Twenty three people braved the gale warning winds to venture out for the 3rd Sandbanks counts. The preliminary tally for the count currently stands at 78 species and 1 count week species. Previous counts were 81(2015) and 98(2016). Cumulative total for the 3 years of the count stands at 114 species WeatherTemperature was 5-6 Cel. We watched all the snow melt away by lunchWinds from the WestSouthwest averaged 45km/h (31-56km/h) with average gusts 61km/h (54-72 km/h)Lake Ontario waves were 3 to 5 metresInland lakes were mostly frozen. Flowing water was mostly open Highlights: 5 new species for the count: Red-throated Loon(previously just count week), Red-necked Grebe, Iceland Gull, Vesper Sparrow and Brown-headed Cowbird. 16 High counts, 17 Low counts, and 12 species were missed that were on the 2 previous counts. Species of NoteGreen-winged Teal 3Bald Eagles 14 some double counting likely involved.Turkey Vultures 8 Snowy Owls 2Pileated Woodpeckers 5Northern Shrike 6Common Raven 15Golden-crowned Kinglet 27Hermit Thrush 1 Eastern Bluebird 4 down from 34 last yearCedar Waxwings 0!!! down from 6190 last yearAmerican Robins 131 down from 8042 last yearAmerican Pipit 3Yellow-rumped Warblers 9Vesper Sparrow 1Red-winged Blackbird 97Common Grackle 82Brown-headed Cowbird 72Only finches this year were House and American Goldfinch. Cheers, Tyler Hoar
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