The 40th Annual Niagara Falls Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, December 28, 2003, under generally mild and clear conditions. The count center is the Brock Monument in Queenston, resulting in one half of the count being in Ontario and the other half in New York State. 46 field observers (27 in Ontario and 19 in New York State) observed 98 species and 42,967 individuals. Record high for the count is 100 species (2000 and 2002), and an unbelievable 127,819 individuals (1998).
RECORD HIGHS: Red-throated Loon - 21 Red-necked Grebe - 3 Double-crested Cormorant - 46 Great Blue Heron - 31 Mute Swan - 5 Greater White-fronted Goose - 3 Canada Goose - 4016 Redhead - 194 Northern Harrier - 44 Eastern Screech-Owl - 14 Short-eared Owl - 15 Northern Flicker - 73 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 73 Hermit Thrush - 13 White-crowned Sparrow - 62 Snow Bunting - 413 UNUSUAL LOWS: Great Black-backed Gull - 67 (lowest number in past 18 years) Blue Jay - 247 American Crow - 144 (continuing to drop, this the lowest since 1977) SPECIES MISSED: Ring-necked Duck American Coot Many thanks to all the participants, with a special thank you to Willie D'Anna who continues to put together the a great team 'over the River' who always find many great birds. Kayo Roy Compiler Kayo Roy 13 Kinsman Court Fonthill, ON. L0S 1E3 [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Diane and Kayo Roy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
