The 15th annual Linwood CBC was held yesterday, December 29th. Temperatures ranged from -3 to -9 degrees. Winds were W to SW, 15-25km/hr. Apart from some early snow in the pre-dawn, no snow during count day. Snow depth varied, but on average was around 8cm. A total of 39 count participants gave the count excellent coverage, with a record high 61 species (prev record of 58 species), above the count's average of 52.1 species. An additional 2 count-week species have been recorded to-date. Total number of individuals was slightly below average, with 11,843 (ave. is 12,501). New species: Golden Eagle – 1 juv. seen independently by 2 parties in the Waterloo Region portion of the count Tufted Titmouse – 1 bird with Chickadee’s in the Perth County portion of the count Red Crossbill – 46 birds seen by 5 groups, scattered around the count circle Unusual species: American Wigeon (5th record), Long-eared Owl (2nd rec), Short-eared Owl (4th rec), Northern Flicker (4th rec) Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak – 13 (3rd rec), Common Redpoll – 629, Hoary Redpoll – 1 (4th rec), White-winged Crossbill – 299 (5th rec), Red Crossbill – 46 (new species), Pine Siskin – 21 High-counts: Cooper’s Hawk – 13 (prev high 11), Downy Woodpecker – 95 (prev high 94), Hairy Woodpecker – 25 (prev high 22), Merlin – 6 (prev high 3), Red-breasted Nuthatch – 37 (prev high 28), White-breasted Nuthatch – 83 (prev high 55) Low-counts: none Notable misses: none Thanks to all the volunteers for your efforts!! Linwood is located northwest of Waterloo. If you have any questions please email me privately. Ken Burrell kenneth.gd.burrell@gmail.com