The 9th Annual Saugeen Shores CBC occurred on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 with 27 people participating. The temperature started at -7C and dropped throughout the day. There were lake effect flurries all day with slight drifting occurring. Visibility was reduced at times. A total of .4 mm of fresh snow fell during the day which started with 6 - 8 cm of snow on the ground.
Total observers: 27 (plus 4 feeder watchers) Total species: 53 Total individual birds: 7431 New Species for the Count: Brown-headed Cowbird, Merlin Noteworthy observations for the count: The Saugeen River and Lake Huron were quite open this year. This no doubt contributed to the fact that we have a new high for Redhead seen in large rafts off-shore and a new high for Common Goldeneye. Hawks and Bald Eagles were down significantly. Weather may be a contributing factor related to their not flying or being visible. Snowy Owl numbers and sightings were also down from 2011. Common Raven numbers were down. This could be attributed, in part, to the fact that a known very popular roost in the area, a barn, had been torn down this past summer. Winter finches were almost absent. Common Redpolls were seen in good number but Pine Siskins were absent. The male Brown-headed Cowbird and Merlin were both seen at feeders. We all had a good day and were all glad to be part of the Saugeen Shores Christmas Bird Count which is coordinated by MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Norah Toth Count Compiler The Huron Fringe Birding Festival is a birding and nature event which runs for two four-day weekends between May 24 and June 2, 2013. Registration begins February 1, 2013 athttp://www.friendsofmacgregor.org Follow our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
