Dear BirdNews subscribers, The 98th annual Toronto Christmas Bird count was held Sunday, December 18th. Conditions for our 119 counters and 12 feeder teams varied from mild and sunny on our inland routes to chilly, blustery, and overcast along the lakefront, and many of the sector results reflected this. Slightly above average numbers were reported across the circle, and species diversity was also above average at 89, but lower than the mid-high 90s of the last few years. Passerine activity was notably hampered by the weather in some areas, and in others was densely concentrated with lively pockets of birds. There were no standouts in terms of rarity, but a few uncommon species for the count topped the list: several Surf Scoters (8th record), two Pied-billed Grebes (9th record), Gray Catbird (10th record), and four sightings of Red-shouldered Hawk (14th record). Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to thrive and expand its range within the city with a new high count of 42, and other high counts included American Wigeon (83), American Coot (18), and House Sparrow (3512). Eastern Screech Owl numbers were very low, but this was likely a reflection of owling effort and weather conditions. Irruptive finches and many other irregular winter visitors were absent. Northern Flicker was a notable miss, and other uncommon but still somewhat expected species missed included Cedar Waxwing and Red-winged Blackbird. Preliminary results can be seen at the following eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/81940 Many thanks to everyone who counted and the Toronto Ornithological Club Records Committee (Gray Carlin, Mark Field, Emily Rondel, Howard Shapiro, Owen Strickland, and Ivor Williams) for helping with logistics and compiling, to Joanne Brathwaite and Emily Rondel for hosting our virtual roundup, and to our Quiz Master Raspberry Yow-Fairs. Happy holidays and good birding! Amanda Guercio TOC Records Councillor