The 106th London Christmas Bird Count took place on Saturday, December 20, the first Saturday of the CBC period.
Over 120 people took part this year counting in over 30 parties and 2 dozen feeders. Thus not all have reported in yet. Food crop seems less. We had no snow cover at all, and the temperatures and wind made the day seem balmy. Of note this year... We have 67 species reported, down from over 80 last year and less than modern average by about 5 for this inland count. Numbers of individuals may be low, according to submissions so far. Double-crested Cormorant for the 2nd time. A good variety of waterfowl, including Gadwall (1) and Ring-necked Duck (1). Number of Bald Eagles appears to be higher than usual, most likely 15 plus. 8 were seen together at Komoka ponds. Only one flock of snow buntings, but it contained over 7000 birds and had a few Lapland Longspurs with it. Singles of N. Mockingbird and Tufted Titmouse. Only 3 Common Redpolls but a number of Siskins. No Snowy Owls in the Count area, but a Long-eared Owl noted. Other "winter" birds in small numbers, such as Rough-legged Hawk, Purple Finch, juncos, tree sparrow, etc. No white-winged gulls reported at the local dump. First time that has happened since 2001. Will post more later if anything important is learned. Thanks to all the participants for their efforts. Pete Read _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
