Total species ended up at 73 with lots of "count week" birds. Looks like the Snowy Owls from Christmas Eve Day left with Santa Claus! With constant wet snow and some fog, visibility was not good for birding yesterday.
There were no real surprises but some notable birds included Northern Shoveler (1 -3rd time on count), Northern Pintail (1), Ruddy Duck (2nd time on count) , Common Loon (not looking well), Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane (4 -2nd time on count), Pileated Woodpecker (6th time since 2003), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5th time on count), Rusty Blackbirds, Brewer's Blackbirds and Purple Finch (4th time on count).
Ducks were incredibly absent (few Redhead!) and only one Canvasback. Usually we have thousands.
Many species were absent or in very low numbers. No thrushes and Tufted Titmouse was at a low 17 (we usually lead Canada).
We had a new high of 5 Bald Eagles. There is a visible nest where a couple were hanging out yestereday.
All in all, the diehard counters persevered and found some decent birds. Interest seems to be waning for CBC's at least in this area as it is difficult to get a lot of people out anymore.
Bonaparte's Gull (rare for winter here)
Today I took a leisurely drive up the St. Clair and to Point Edward. Since it was the day after the count, weather was nice. At Point Edward, an adult Thayer's Gull was making rounds. I think this is the same one that comes back every year!
Thayer's Gull
Lots of Long-tailed Ducks as usual, but no scoters. The scoters are conspicuously absent in these parts this year so far.
In Sarnia Bay, a 2nd cycle Glaucous Gull and and 1st cycle Iceland Gull were present. Lots of ducks there, especially mergansers. Some coots too.
Wild Turkeys: some seen yesterday
I saw what I think was a White-winged Scoter on the Strathroy Reservoir on Wednesday so maybe they will start showing up on the St. Clair soon too. (http://erintown.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-walk-day-2-white-winged-scoter.html)
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