Dec. 19 2024

KINCARDINE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

For a long time, people have been captivated by birds. Their vibrant colors and melodious songs have earned them a special place in our folklore and mythology. Spurred on by ancient tradition the 43rd annual Kincardine Christmas Bird Count (KCBC) took place on December 19th, 2024. 

Participants enjoyed favourable weather, and the 56 species they identified is average. However, the overall number of birds recorded was notably low. Several factors contributed to this, including the heavy early snowfall. Many birds can handle the cold temperatures, but once the ground is covered with snow and water bodies freeze over, it becomes nearly impossible to find food. This forces birds to migrate south earlier in search of better foraging conditions. But this was an atypical season, the recent trend is for birds to stay here longer. 

After 4 decades of KCBC’s, one would think that every possible species would have been identified. Yet, new species continue to be spotted; a fact that can partly be attributed to climate change. As global temperatures rise, birds are shifting their ranges, on average wintering 2 km farther north every year. For example, during the first decade of the count, Canada Geese were a rare find, today however hundreds of geese winter here.

A new addition to the count this year was the Surf Scoter, a sea duck that migrates from the Arctic to the East Coast, some frequenting the Great Lakes. The male Surf Scoter is particularly striking, with a bright, colorful beak.  With the addition of the scoter the KCBC has recorded 133 species in its 43 year history.

nother unique discovery was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker visiting a peanut feeder in Ripley. Sapsuckers are common here during the summer, but this is the first to be recorded during count week. Known for tapping holes in trees and returning periodically to sip the leaking sap, this woodpecker truly lives up to its name. Additionally, a Snowy Owl was observed during the count week, even though it was not seen on the actual count day.

 The 23 Ravens observed is a new KCBC high count record. This species is increasingly common and continues to expand its range south and east across North America. Ravens originally lived here but were driven out along with the big carnivores during the settlement era. But people's attitudes are changing. Whereas early settlers treated the Raven as a pest and shot them, today's populus is much more tolerant. Ravens are also benefiting from man made structures such as cell towers and farm silos which serve as ideal nesting sites. Ravens are easily mistaken for crows, but they are larger and have a distinct, gurgling croak.  Ravens can also mimic other sounds, including bells, gongs, and even human voices. I recall once hearing a sound like a warning siren in Inverhuron Park, only to discover that it was a Raven perfectly imitating the sound. In conjunction with the raven's return, sightings of fishers, beavers and Bald Eagles have increased. Bald Eagles were also prominent on the count this year, with 20 observed. The Bald Eagle population has made an incredible recovery since the banning of the pesticide DDT. In winter one of the best places to spot Bald Eagles is on the ice at Baie Du Dore,  where as many as 70 have been seen.

While Christmas Bird Counts attract many year-round bird watchers seeking a winter diversion, most birders will agree that the real excitement comes in May, when thousands of migratory birds return. The most thrilling event of all is a "fallout," which occurs when migrating birds, traveling by night, are forced to the ground by a sudden weather event. It's a rare and awe-inspiring sight to witness so many birds. During a fallout, I’ve seen as many as 80 species at a single location. We are fortunate to have one of the county's best birding hotspots closeby. In May, birders flock to the rail trail behind the Kincardine cemetery, anticipating the chance to witness a fallout and experience the magic of migration. So dust off your binoculars and come join us this spring to witness one of nature's spectacles. If you are interested in joining the Bruce Birding Club or have any birdy questions you can contact me James Turland at jaturland@gmail.com

The following chart is a complete list of the birds recorded on the 2024 KCBC

Kincardine CBC Results 2024