The 73rd West Elgin Nature Club CBC was held on December 27th. We enjoyed almost perfect weather for the count with temperatures ranging from -4 to +4C. The snow that had fallen over the previous days also aided in the tallying of some species as the feeders and roadsides were busy.
Thanks to the efforts of 62 observers, we set a new high for the count for both species viewed on the count day (95) and during the count week (98 - Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, Red Crossbill). We had a high count for Barred Owl (3) and tied previous high counts for 9 species - Canada Goose (1,617), Hooded Merganser (8), Bald Eagle (41), Peregrine Falcon (2), Northern Flicker (12), Pileated Woodpecker (13), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3), Carolina Wren (19), and Savannah Sparrow (3). Some of the count highlights were Snow Goose 2, Black Scoter 3, a lone Killdeer, Northern Goshawk 1, Northern Mockingbird 1, Gray Catbird 1 and a lone Common Grackle. Thanks again to all of the counters this year. Aiming for 100 in 2021! Chris Leys -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
