The West Elgin Nature Club 65th CBC was held on December 27th, 2014. The unseasonably mild weather resulted in all of the local ponds, streams and rivers along with Lake Erie being free of ice. A total of 54 observers tallied 23,009 birds of 79 species. A Horned Grebe, Belted Kingfisher and a Field Sparrow were observed during the count week bringing the species tally to 82. The count total was slightly above our ten year average of 78 species and well above our overall average of 68. Low counts in Dark-eyed Juncos, Horned Larks and Snow Bunting were offset by higher than normal counts on ducks and geese. The number of birds observed was 23,009 which is slightly above the ten year average of 20,606.
A lone Red-throated Loon was the only new species added for the count. The observation of all three Scoter species has only occurred once before on the count. Other notable sightings were - Northern Pintail 3; Wilson's Snipe 1; Tufted Titmouse 3; Orange-crowned Warbler 1; and Chipping Sparrow 1. Thanks to all of the participants and I look forward to seeing everyone again on the 2015 count. Chris Leys _______________________________________________ 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
