Greetings everyone, A downright nasty day in the Haliburton Highlands for our 53rd annual Minden CBC yesterday. There was a steady rain from dawn until about noon, when the precipitation switched over to a heavy, wet snow making driving treacherous. Birds were understandably scarce and quiet due to the inclement weather, making counting a challenge. Despite this, 22 field observers managed to tally 40 species (plus 1 count week bird) and 1699 individuals. This does not include any feeder watcher reports, as those results are still trickling in. Highlights: Varied Thrush - first for the count, and not the long-staying Bark Lake individual! Remarkably, a 2nd male bird present in the county near Miner's Bay since Nov. 30th. It is on private property, down a steep private road, and not accessible for viewing. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - first for the count. An injured male visiting feeders near Minden. Hermit Thrush - 3rd record. A single bird found near the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland Reserve Trumpeter Swan - 4th record. 4 birds present at Moore Falls. Cooper's Hawk - 8th record. Single bird hunting in Minden townsite. American Robin - still a few birds hanging in around Kinmount. 9th record. Lots of Ilex and other berries/fruits to feed on. Canada Jay - a single bird found along the Buller Rd. E of Miner's Bay. This declining species has not been recorded on the last 2 counts, so it was nice to still have it present. Notable misses: Purple Finch - they're here, but weren't moving or calling much yesterday. Winter Finches and Waxwings: American Goldfinch - only 26 recorded. They were very quiet yesterday. Grosbeaks - zero Crossbills - zero Redpolls - zero Pine Siskin - zero Waxwings - zero Other notes: Waterfowl generally scarce. No gulls. Huge thanks to all the participants that braved the brutal weather throughout the day. Cheers, Ed Poropat