Hi Folks I'm still waiting for reports from 2 sections but here is a preliminary report. The snowfall on December 14th resulted in some participants having difficulty getting out of their driveways and some secondary road were not ploughed in count areas. That and a lower turnout of participants due to illness presented a few challenges. Some sections reported lower than average numbers and species while other sections had a pretty good day. The count was held on Sunday December 15th. An estimated 32 counters and 1 feeder watcher participated in the St. Catharines CBC. We counted 81 species (slightly above average) and 13,654 individuals (below average). A few highlights: Turkey Vulture - 1st record! Black-legged Kittiwake - 4th record Surf Scoter - 5th record High counts - 3 Snowy Owls (record high count); 51 White-crowned Sparrows (record high count); Low counts : Mute Swan (2); Common Goldeneye (42); Hooded Merganser (6); Red-breasted Merganser (45); Great Blue Heron (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2); Herring Gull (49); American Crow (46); Black-capped Chickadee (128); Northern Mockingbird (16); European Starlings (1795); House Finch (157); American Goldfinch (157); Warmest regards Marcie Jacklin