The 14th annual Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, on the beautiful Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. Fourteen participants tallied a record high total of 46 species, well above the average of 39.7. The 1,303 individual birds counted was also above the overall average of 1,098.
The day was gorgeous: deep blue, crystal clear skies and a landscape sparkling with fresh-fallen snow. The presence of the Niagara Escarpment made for significant temperature and wind disparities, with car thermometers at dawn showing -19°C on high terrain but -8°C closer to Georgian Bay. Temperatures rose to near 0°C by late afternoon. Similarly, in the lee of the escarpment, long stretches of the day were virtually breezeless, whereas exposed areas had southeasterly breeze of up to 15 kph. Georgian Bay and flowing waters were open, but standing water was generally all (recently) frozen. Snow depth ranged from ~15-20 cm. One new species was added, Peregrine Falcon, raising the 14-year count-day total to 82 species. Three additional species, Short-eared Owl, Snowy Owl and Purple Finch were added during count week, with Short-eared Owl also being a first (for count week). High tallies were recorded for 10 species: Mallard (30, previously 19), Common Goldeneye (198, previously 159), Bufflehead (77, previously 68), Rock Pigeon (35, previously 18), Herring Gull (255, tied previous), Bald Eagle (10, previously 9), Red-tailed Hawk (4, previously 3), American Crow (54, previously 38), Golden-crowned Kinglet (16, tied previous) and Dark-eyed Junco (7, previously 4). Aside from a total absence of winter finches (excluding American Goldfinch, which were in average numbers), no expected species were missed. The only particularly low count was for Ruffed Grouse (just 1 individual, with the count average being about 7). Chi Miigwetch to the Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) community, including the many folks who welcomed birders to watch their feeders, for hosting this always special birding event. And a big thank you to the 14 enthusiastic volunteers! Happy Holidays! Jarmo Jalava and Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno) -- 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.
