Preliminary Report or the London CBC, held on Saturday, Dec 14. Reporting by compiler Pete Read.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, under mainly clear skies, the temperature ranging from -10 to -1 C and with wind increasing in the afternoon, over 140 people on about 45 routes, ventured out in the London Ontario CBC, the 115th consecutive count since 1909. Most snow had melted which scattered the birds across the area but made getting around easier. Number of species so far, with almost 75% of the people reporting in, is 78 which is about average. The number of individuals of many species is well down. The exceptions include high numbers for Winter Wren(9), Hermit Thrush(5), Pileated Woodpecker (5), Sandhill Crane (16), Screech-Owl (20), and Bald Eagle (more than 40) In one flock of the latter there were 22 birds, kettling above the observers. As well, we have only had American Pipit on 1 other Count, but there was a flock of 50 seen this year. Just a few winter finches were reported (Siskin (1), Redpoll (2), Purple finch (6)) One miss so far was Northern Shrike. A big miss was an Ovenbird, seen the day before and the day after the Count. Interesting or unusual species found included, Fox Sparrow, Ruddy Duck, Sapsucker (3), Long-tailed Duck, Glaucous Gull, Northern Mockingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Pintail, Raen (4), Grackle (4). Thanks to all who participated. -- 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: birdnews@ontbirds.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at birdn...@ofo.ca. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
