A-Jan 4

The 13th Saugeen Shores Christmas Bird Count took place on January 4, 2017 with 26 people participating plus 6 feeder watchers. Some of you were new to our count or new to Christmas Bird Counts. Thank you for joining us. I hope we see you back another year.

The weather was challenging and at the outset we determined to do a shortened day. This was a wise decision as throughout the morning we experienced whiteout conditions, snow squalls, drifting snow and later in the afternoon, closed highways. The west wind had speeds from 25 to 60 kilometres an hour. Snow fall was listed as 10 cm. Visibility ranged from fair to poor to nil. Lake Huron was wild with huge waves crashing into shore. Creeks and rivers inland were open to partially frozen. I have to admire those of you who stood on the shore to try to see some ducks in the lake! It is amazing that you weren't blown away! Also, thanks to all those who dug Vicky and Mike out!

We found an all time low of 2606 individual birds; however,despite the weather, they represented 50 species which is slightly below average. Two

species were new to the count. Tufted Titmouse were found at two separate feeder locations (Southampton and near Paisley) and an Iceland Gull was tallied at the Southampton dump. This brings the cumulative total for the count to 102 species. An Oregon Junco was photographed at a feeder. Purple Finch, Northern Shrike and Snowy Owl were count week species. Thanks Bob for going back once the weather cleared to get a photo of the titmouse. The paperwork has gone in for our two new species. Thanks to Cindy and crew and Andrew for completing it.

Altogether we spent 43.75 hours in our cars covering 516 km and 9.5 hours walking 5.5 km. I for one did not leave the warmth of my car - but we did roll down the windows, hoping to hear something other than wind! When I think of driving that distance in that weather, I really am pretty amazed! I don't think we were travelling more than 15 - 20 km per hour the whole time - and that wasn't to watch birds!

I feel that the challenging weather and the shortened day make it difficult to identify trends. Participants benefited from knowing the locations of bird feeders throughout the largely rural count area. The feeders in our area were very busy, when they were full - a lot of people don't keep them filled. The best part of all for Bev and I, however, were picture perfect views of a Rough-legged Hawk. What a beauty!

Thank you to each of you. I know some of whom traveled a distance and I appreciated your commitment. I certainly valued your time, effort and skills. Thanks, as well, to each of you for braving the challenging weather, visibility and road conditions. I’m glad everyone made it home safely before dark and appreciated hearing the offers of places to stay. If we had quit at the usual time, I would have stayed in Southampton for sure. Correction - Andrew did not make it to his destination but stayed in Mount Forest after what sounded like a rather harrowing drive.

True to our date selection rule of the last Wednesday of the count period (when possible), the Saugeen Shores Christmas Bird Count will be on January 3, 2018.

Oh Yes, and since Bev was so conveniently leaving right away for Panama, I have the prize chicken beautifully displayed at my house. It is well protected from the dog! Anyone who would like to drop by for their own personal viewing is more than welcome!

I have attached my summary of the numbers. Thank you to Norma and Anne-Marie for helping to keep me straight and James for doing the math!