The 47th Richmond Hill CBC was held Saturday Dec. 17th. The circle includes the municipalities of Aurora and Richmond Hill, along with portions of several surrounding communities. While rapidly increasing in urbanization throughout, the northern half, on the Oak Ridges Moraine, includes significant areas of agricultural and conservation land, as well as kettle lakes, wetlands and ponds.Lakes were primarily frozen this year with very little open water. Snow cover varied from 0-4 cm in the south to 20 cm throughout the entire northern half, following a heavy snowfall just prior to count day. Temperatures were mild at just below zero, with light wind, and no precipitation on the day.27 field participants, 11 feeder counters, and 2 owling parties counted 10,854 individuals of 54 species plus 1 hybrid and 2 count week species, a little above average (51 species).Record highs were noted for 6 species (Trumpeter swan, Red-bellied woodpecker, White-breasted nuthatch, Common raven, Eastern bluebird, and Dark-eyed junco). Notable high counts (over twice the average) were recorded for 4 additional species (Downy woodpecker, Red-breasted nuthatch, Rock pigeon and wild turkey). Below average counts were noted for both Red-tailed and Rough-legged hawk, with the latter missed entirely (average 5).Unusual species (first record in 5 years) included singles of Peregrine falcon, Yellow-bellied sapsucker, White-winged crossbill, and Northern saw-whet owl as well as 17 Horned larks.There were no new species, leaving the all-time count at 129 species.
Many thanks to all participants! Theresa McKenzieCompiler -- 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 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.
