The 73rd West Elgin Nature Club CBC was held on December 27th. We enjoyed
almost perfect weather for the count with temperatures ranging from -4
to +4C. The snow that had fallen over the previous days also aided in the
tallying of some species as the feeders and roadsides were busy.
Thanks to the efforts of 62 observers, we set a new high for the count for
both species viewed on the count day (95) and during the count week (98 -
Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, Red Crossbill). We had a high count for Barred
Owl (3) and tied previous high counts for 9 species - Canada Goose (1,617),
Hooded Merganser (8), Bald Eagle (41), Peregrine Falcon (2), Northern
Flicker (12), Pileated Woodpecker (13), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3),
Carolina Wren (19), and Savannah Sparrow (3).
Some of the count highlights were Snow Goose 2, Black Scoter 3, a lone
Killdeer, Northern Goshawk 1, Northern Mockingbird 1, Gray Catbird 1 and a
lone Common Grackle.
Thanks again to all of the counters this year. Aiming for 100 in 2021!
Chris Leys