The 86th Kitchener CBC was held Saturday, December 14th with rain in the morning transitioning transitioning to heavy snow and sleet, and variable strengths of wind. Creeks and rivers were open but ponds and standing water was mostly frozen. The poor conditions contributed to a low overall species and individual count. A total of 55 species were found on count day, which is well below average for the last twenty years (62). The total number of individuals was also well below average at 16,236. One new high count was set with two Eastern Phoebes, a very good species for the count. Two male Wood Ducks were a tie for high count, and other notable species were a Northern Pintail (1), Cackling Goose (2), Ruffed Grouse (1) and Hermit Thrush (1). Count week birds included a Turkey Vulture that has been seen twice now in the last week and several Eastern Bluebirds. Nearly every species was well last year's totals, as well as the long term average. Cedar Waxwing and Golden-crowned Kinglet were however above average. Notable misses (Number of times recorded in the last four years in brackets) included Trumpeter Swan (4), Hooded Merganser (4), Glaucous Gull (3), Northern Flicker (3), Common Raven (3) and Common Redpoll (3). For more information, please email me privately. Here is a map showing the location of the Kitchener Christmas Bird Count:https://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/maps/ONKT.pdf Ethan Gosnell Kitchener CBC Compilers