The 7th Christmas Bird Count at Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, took place on Saturday, December 30.
This year's count follows a period of unseasonably mild and wet weather, with temperatures returning to below freezing a day before the count. There was very little snow. We recorded 19 species (our average is 17) which included an American Robin, a Common Grackle and a Waxwing (sp.) Their presence may be due to the warm weather last week. It was the lowest number of individuals ever counted in this circle, 221; the average is 283. One possible explanation is that the lack of snow has made it easier for birds to find food in the woods. High counts were: Blue Jay, House Sparrow, and Ruffed Grouse. Low counts were: Common Raven, Canada Jay, and European Starling. Notably missing from this year's count were: Bald Eagle and Red-breasted Nuthatch. The most common feeder birds this season are: Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Black-capped Chickadee, and Hairy Woodpecker. Thank you to all who contributed to our Christmas Bird Count! -- 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.
