The 5th Christmas Bird Count at Smooth Rock Falls was held on Saturday, December 31, 2022. It was a mild and calm day (-2 C), with deep snow cover following the recent snowstorm. There were 4 field observers and a handful of feeder watchers and incidental observers.
We listed 267 individuals of 17 species (and 17 is our average number of species). This year was outstanding for woodpeckers, with all 5 local winter species being found on count day: Downy, Hairy, Black-backed, American Three-toed and Pileated. New this year was one American Goldfinch. Highs included 15 House Sparrows and 4 Black-backed Woodpeckers. Missing this year were Common Redpoll and European Starling. Smooth Rock Falls would welcome additional volunteers, and there is definitely a need for someone who can access off-road areas by snow machine. Happy New Year! Angie Williams -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
