It is with pleasure that I announce that our 100th CBC for London is now in
the books. And we missed the stormy weather, though it was very difficult to
walk through the snow, and the cold made life a bit tough. Our bird numbers
appear to be down overall, but not everyone has reported in, and we did have
more interest this year, with it being a special year.
We have 67 species so far, down about 10 species, but with most standing
water frozen, our "exotic" waterfowl species mostly left. Feeders were
mostly reporting well, except those having lingering hawks.
Field participants noted fewer birds and mostly pockets of birds in best
habitat. Usual winter would have allowed them to be spread out more.
Wow, I admire the compilers who can get their results out in such a timely
manner.
Here in London we have over 30 parties, and more than double that number of
feeders.
I have only two thirds of them reporting so far, but have enough interesting
ones that I thought I better put out the list for those who want to look for
winter species.
I will report more on totals and trends later.
So here are the ones I have to date.
Golden Eagle- one reported on count
The sub-adult was near the town of Delaware, SW of London . It
ranged yesterday and today, between the "Komoka Bridge" and highway 402 near
the Delaware turn-off. So it might be hanging about. It was being harassed
by two immature baldies on Saturday, so not sure why it is hanging about.
Wilson's Snipe- in a storm-water "upwelling" near the Legion in Lambeth, a
village at the south-west part of London.
Field Sparrow -2 near Komoka village
Common Yellowthoat -along riverbank near Komoka Bridge
Iceland Gull, two Glaucous Gull, one Lesser Black-backed Gull, amongst over
800 gulls near the Westminster Dump, near Glanworth, south of London.
Lapland Longspur- reported in with hundreds of Snow Buntings in south part
of our count circle near the dump and to the west.
Fox Sparrow, 2 Sapsuckers, coming to two different feeders.
Pileated Woodpecker- near the new Oxford Street West bridge over the Thames.
Lesser Scaup- in the Thames at Greenway Park
Merlin- at West Lions Park (Wharncliffe & Riverside)
White-winged Crossbill- more than 10 parties reported this species in groups
from 2 up to 50. Final total might be highest for count.
I think that is it for now.
Will update later.
For precise directions to any of these species, please email me at the
address enclosed.
Sorry but would take too long to give out that here.
Pete Read
[email protected]
Stay tuned, I have a report from today from a local birder to report upon in
another update, not related to this count.
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