Toronto CBC results
The 93rd Toronto Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday December 18th, on a cold but clear day. Although chilly, conditions were ideal for birding, as our results demonstrate! One hundred and seventeen observers counted 95 species, an excellent result that has only been surpassed twice in Toronto CBC history (98 species in 2012 and 96 species in 2013). Individual numbers of birds were not particularly high however; only 37,504 individuals were counted, a respectable, but middling number for this count circle. There were a few contenders for bird of the day, and eventually a three-way tie was decided for three brand- new sightings for the count: the continuing and dependable LARK SPARROW, 46 SANDHILL CRANES spotted by Gavin Platt flying over the Toronto Islands, and a WESTERN/CLARKâS GREBE also seen off the islands by Gavin, but too far to identify to species with complete confidence. Other unusual sightings included single individuals representing RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (1), HARLEQUIN DUCK (1), TURKEY VULTURE (1), and KING EIDER (1). Record highs of CANADA GOOSE (6359), RED-TAILED HAWK (121), MERLIN (5), AMERICAN PIPIT (7) AND NORTHERN CARDINAL (619) were noted, and unusually high numbers of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (9) and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (361) were counted. Despite this good luck, NORTHERN SHRIKE and SWAMP SPARROW were the notable misses of the count, these two species being present in most other years. Lower than average counts were also recorded for MUTE SWAN (33), GADWALL (133), MOURNING DOVE (135), AMERICAN KESTREL (3), and EUROPEAN STARLING (1859). Ivor Williams, Garth Riley, Howard Shapiro, and Mark Field helped out with compilation and logistics. Many thanks to all volunteers! Happy Birding! Emily Rondel- Toronto CBC Compiler & TOC Records Councilor _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
