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The fifth Cape Croker Christmas Bird Count was held today,Saturday, December
19, 2015, at Neyaashiinigmiing (Unceded) First Nation (a.k.a. Nawash) on the
beautiful Bruce Peninsula.
There was a very light, patchy dusting of snowon the ground and all waters were
ice-free. Temperatures hovered between -1 and -2C throughout the day,
withblustery northwest winds, occasional light flurries and generally good
viewingconditions (although Georgian Bay was rough, with high swells).
Although total individuals observed (855) waswell below average (1,157), and
observers noted long stretches with very few orno birds seen, the species total
of 41 (average 40) included a remarkable 8 newspecies for the count, with the
most surprising being a well-seen NashvilleWarbler. Also unprecedented was a
reportof 12 Trumpeter Swans.
New Species for the Count:
Trumpeter Swan – 12 (reported by experienced birders)
Canada Goose – 2 (yes, that’s right, never before on thiscount!)
American Black Duck – 5
Northern Pintail – 1Canvasback - 1Barred Owl (observed in previous years during
count week)
Bohemian Waxwing – 83 (observed here once before on first “unofficial”CBC in
2009)
Nashville Warbler – 1 (bright, active individual observed atclose range by
Brendon Larson and myself, feeding low and on the ground, along Apple Lane at
Hope Bay)
New Highest Counts (previous high in brackets):
Mallard 19 (4)
Hooded Merganser 3 (1)
Common Loon 3 (1) (two appeared to be high-tailing it south -- flying high
overhead)
American Crow 38 (9)
Common Raven 36 (23)
Golden-crowned Kinglet 13 (12)
Purple Finch: 6 (4)
Pine Siskin: 50 (40)
Merry Birding!
Jarmo Jalava
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