There were 5600 individuals of 47 species found by 14 observers on the Dec. 15 Fairmont CBC. This is a record high species total for the count. The species found in the highest numbers was ... not impressive - 1218 starlings (mostly from one feedlot).
We had one species new to the count (a meadowlark which was wisely not identified to species). We had a reoccurrence of every sparrow species previously found on the count - Harris's, White-throated, Song, Junco, Lapland longspur, Snow Bunting and Am Tree Sparrow. Blackbirds were represented by Grackles, the meadowlark, and Cowbirds (no Rustys or Redwings). There was relatively little open water for the count and only four species of waterfowl were found - Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, and Lesser Scaup. Misses included Flicker, Kestral, Partridge, and Siskin. Semi-hardy landbirds were generally well represented. We had or tied our record high counts for Bald Eagle (7), Coopers Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (14), Pheasant (296), Mourning Dove (17), Great Horned Owl (5), Red-bellied Woodpecker (17), Hairy Woodpecker (17), Horned Lark (254), Northern Shrike (1), Cedar Waxwing (135), Starling (1218), Swamp Sparrow (1), Lapland Longspur (27), Meadowlark (1), and Common Redpoll (2). The Fairmont count has been conducted annually since 1990. Next years count will likely be Dec 20, 2008 (unless we try Sunday, Dec 14). New participants are certainly welcome. Maybe next year we will get our first Kingfisher. Brad Bolduan Windom
