The Rondeau/Blenheim CBC was held yesterday, December 20 in fabulous weather. For a change, since I cannot remember, it was picture-perfect weather! It was calm and clear and many owls were calling to start the day. One could hear for long distances. A large number of Great Horned Owls were recorded--over 50!
Total species count was at 112 before all the results were in. Likely more will be added. New for the count was the Northern Waterthrush that was originally discovered a week before. Common Yellowthroat and some Yellow-rumped Warblers were also tallied to round out the warbler department.
Notable finds included the Rondeau campground Evening Grosbeak (first since 1986!), Wilson's Snipe, Dunlin, Turkey Vulture, Virginia Rail, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow.
It is important to cover certain areas at different times of the day. Maris Apse and I scoured South Point Trail in the park in the morning, then checked the visitor centre feeders at noon, then went to the north end of the park. We added several species that were not seen earlier by others. As well, I went back to south point at the end of the day and added Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Horned Lark, Tundra Swan, and scoter species. They were not detected earlier!
At the campground we found the grosbeak quite easily, and added a few more Cedar Waxwings, creepers, kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers etc.
At maintenance, we found a large flock of sparrows (mainly Tree), but I spotted a Chipping and a Field. On my way back to south point, two sparrows flew in front of me by the Visitor Centre, and they turned out to be Fields! Things are always changing!
Rondeau quite often leads the province in species numbers, so we will see what transpires.
Total species count was at 112 before all the results were in. Likely more will be added. New for the count was the Northern Waterthrush that was originally discovered a week before. Common Yellowthroat and some Yellow-rumped Warblers were also tallied to round out the warbler department.
Notable finds included the Rondeau campground Evening Grosbeak (first since 1986!), Wilson's Snipe, Dunlin, Turkey Vulture, Virginia Rail, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow.
It is important to cover certain areas at different times of the day. Maris Apse and I scoured South Point Trail in the park in the morning, then checked the visitor centre feeders at noon, then went to the north end of the park. We added several species that were not seen earlier by others. As well, I went back to south point at the end of the day and added Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Horned Lark, Tundra Swan, and scoter species. They were not detected earlier!
At the campground we found the grosbeak quite easily, and added a few more Cedar Waxwings, creepers, kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers etc.
At maintenance, we found a large flock of sparrows (mainly Tree), but I spotted a Chipping and a Field. On my way back to south point, two sparrows flew in front of me by the Visitor Centre, and they turned out to be Fields! Things are always changing!
Rondeau quite often leads the province in species numbers, so we will see what transpires.
Great Titmouse photo, Blake! Glad you were able to attend a couple CBC's. I worked during the Toronto CBC (next year, I'm scheduling the day off early) and I wasn't home for the Pelee CBC.
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