The 10th Collingwood Christmas Bird Count was held on Thursday, 28 December 2017.
Eighteen participants in seven parties braved -20 C temperatures (but mercifully, there was little wind) and deep snow. For the first time ever, most nearshore, Georgian Bay waters were frozen. We had a slightly below average total of 50 species and a record low number of individual birds (2,885). No 'new for count' species were found in 2017. New count record lows were set for: Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, European Starling (yay!), Northern Cardinal and House Sparrow. We set record highs for Ruffed Grouse (3), Great Blue Heron (2) and Common Raven (21). This was only the second time Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Merlin were found on count day. For the first time ever, no Rough-legged Hawks were located. Many thanks to the particpants who came out on this very wintery day. Burke Korol - compiler ONCO Barrie, ON <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> _______________________________________________ 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
