Our 2nd annual Christmas Bird Count for Smooth Rock Falls was held on Saturday, January 4, 2020. We had 4 parties in the field, and 3 feeder watchers. The weather was cloudy but calm, the high temperature a comfortable -9 C.
Our species list was 20 on count day, plus 2 count week species, which in total is a 60% increase from last year's 14. The total number of birds was also up nearly 60%, with 418 individuals recorded. Most exciting birds included a Common Goldeneye (on the open water below the Mattagami River dam) and a Hoary Redpoll. Both Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers were seen during count week, but eluded us on Jan. 4. This year's boom of White-winged Crossbills continues to amaze us (66), and there are high numbers of the more typical winter finches in the bush but not many visiting feeders, as there is an abundance of natural foods available this year. Smooth Rock Falls is a beautiful place to visit, and new bird counters are always welcome. We could especially use some more folks with snowshoes or snowmobiles, since there are many great spots that are not accessible by automobile in the winter. Happy New Year! Angie Williams [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
