Our 2nd annual Christmas Bird Count for Smooth Rock Falls was held on
Saturday, January 4, 2020. We had 4 parties in the field, and 3 feeder
watchers. The weather was cloudy but calm, the high temperature a
comfortable -9 C.
Our species list was 20 on count day, plus 2 count week species, which in
total is a 60% increase from last year's 14. The total number of birds was
also up nearly 60%, with 418 individuals recorded.
Most exciting birds included a Common Goldeneye (on the open water below
the Mattagami River dam) and a Hoary Redpoll. Both Black-backed and
American Three-toed Woodpeckers were seen during count week, but eluded us
on Jan. 4. This year's boom of White-winged Crossbills continues to amaze
us (66), and there are high numbers of the more typical winter finches in
the bush but not many visiting feeders, as there is an abundance of natural
foods available this year.
Smooth Rock Falls is a beautiful place to visit, and new bird counters are
always welcome. We could especially use some more folks with snowshoes or
snowmobiles, since there are many great spots that are not accessible by
automobile in the winter.
Happy New Year!
Angie Williams
aw8675334@gmail.com