Staff
A total of 2,020 birds, representing 30 species, were spotted during the annual Christmas bird count held over the holiday season.
This year’s count was held Dec. 26, with six people watching bird feeders to record observations.
Five others in vehicles covered 244 km on a route around the area to look for birds.
“We had a steady westerly breeze and temperatures around minus-13 C [nine F], with cloud cover and light snow in the early morning and a clear afternoon,” reported Ilka Milne, who helps co-ordinate the annual census that helps keep track of bird populations throughout the district.
Notable results from this latest survey include 351 rock doves (pigeons) counted this year—double the previous record number counted in 1997, Milne noted.
Almost all of these were seen sitting on rail cars in the train yard in town.
As well, 49 blue jays were counted—the highest number since 2002, although it isn’t a new record.
Local bird counters once again didn’t record any owl species this year, said Milne.
The last time any owl species were counted was in 2004, with the “last big owl incursion” occurring in 2000 when 14 owls of four different species were observed.
The number of Common Redpoll (13) was down this year, added Milne, though explaining this species commonly cycle and in the past 16 years they’ve either seen hundreds or 10-20 on count day.
“Several large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have been seen feasting on the fruit trees in town [while] one cold-looking but otherwise robust-looking robin has found a well-stocked apple tree in town to keep him fed through the winter,” she remarked.
Among the more common species counted were Pine Grosbeaks (303), European Starlings (281), Bohemian Waxwings (188), Black-capped Chickadees (177), Evening Grosbeaks (159), common ravens (106), American crows (97), and Sharp-tailed Grouse (64).
Also spotted were house sparrows (37), American Goldfinches (34), Pine Siskins (26), Hairy Woodpeckers (22), Black-billed Magpies (18), Red-breasted Nuthatches (18), Downy Woodpeckers (14), Common Goldeneyes (11), White-breasted Nuthatches (11), and Gray Jays (10).
Rounding out the species were Bald Eagles (five), Pileated Woodpeckers (five), Dark-eyed Juncos (five), Northern Cardinals (five), Purple Finches (four), Ruffed Grouse (four), Northern Shrikes (two), and one Mourning Dove.
“Thanks to all participants and the many generous bird feeders of the district, who invest a lot of money and effort in providing extra treats for our over-wintering birds,” said Milne.
“And even though the deer regularly clean out their feeders, keep filling them up!” she encouraged.
