The 43rd Wiarton Christmas Bird Count was held on Thursday, December 22, 2016. With the exception of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, virtually all lakes, ponds and shallow bays on the southern Bruce Peninsula were ice-covered, and slower-moving sections of rivers and streams were frozen-over. Snow depth averaged 18 cm, quite a contrast from the ice- and snow-free conditions of 2015. Very pleasant temperatures ranged between -0.3C and +2C under generally sunny skies, with light northwesterly winds throughout much of the day.
Nineteen field observers and two feeder watchers tallied 49 species (50 taxa) of birds, which was slightly above the long-term average (48), but below the more recent 10-year average (51). The 3,790 individual birds counted was above the 40-year average (3,395), but well below the 10-year average (4,253). The early onset of winter this year no doubt contributed to the lower than normal numbers of individuals, especially of waterfowl. No new species for the count were observed, keeping the cumulative total at 127. Most unusual was the discovery of a new taxon for the count, a goldeneye sp. X Hooded Merganser hybrid (details on eBird - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33219599). Other notable observations included the third-ever Winter Wren (1). Both Tundra (4) and Trumpeter (2) swans were observed – neither species having been recorded until the 2000s, when each has occurred in about half the counts. Bohemian Waxwing (30 counted) has been recorded on fewer than half of all Wiarton counts. All-time highs were recorded for: Tundra Swan (4), Sharp-shinned Hawk (4) and American Crow (257). Bald Eagles continue to do well, with 16 counted (2nd highest total, after last year’s 19). Less cause for celebration were well-above average numbers of Rock Pigeon (154, avg. 49) and European Starling (857, avg. 364). Aside from to-be-expected goose-eggs of uncommon and irruptive species, no all-time lows were recorded. Well-below average numbers were reported for Canada Goose (14, avg. 217), Common Goldeneye (116, avg. 387), Bufflehead (36, avg. 148), Hooded Merganser (0, avg. 29.5), Red-breasted Merganser (17, avg. 72), Common Merganser (7, avg. 65), Ruffed Grouse (2, avg. 10) and Ring-billed Gull (8, avg. 41) and House Sparrow (18, avg. 61). The count round-up was at the Wiarton Inn, where participants enjoyed tasty food and good company. Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their time, effort and birding skills – and were so amenable to the last-minute weather-induced re-scheduling. Happy New Year (listing)! Jarmo [email protected] _______________________________________________ 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
