The 21st Lanark Highlands Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, December 30th. After a few days of unusually warm weather and rain, the count day itself was cloudy with temperatures around minus 3 deg C with mostly light winds. There was even a light dusting of snow on the ground in the morning. While running water remained open, any still water was frozen, and the larger lakes had a bit of both. The Count is centered on Watsons Corners in Lanark County and includes the village of Lanark and the hamlets of McDonalds Corners, Hopetown and Middleville.
There were 32 field observers and 18 feeder reports. A total of 45 species (average 37) and 3901 individual birds (average 3547) were reported. The 45 species total is second only to the 48 tallied in 2021. There were no new species added, so the grand total for the Count remains at 80. Of these, 18 species have been reported in each year of the Count.
Highlights include new species highs for Ring-billed Gull (2), Brown Creeper (11), Golden-crowned Kinglet (19), and Pine Siskin (176). Three other species matched their previous high numbers: Belted Kingfisher (1), Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) and Song Sparrow (2). On the other hand, Barred Owls, which have been seen in 17 of the 20 years, were absent this time around.
In terms of winter finches:
- Pine Grosbeak – 13 compared to an average of 20
- Purple Finch – 8 compared to an average of 7
- Common Redpoll – zero (this species has been recorded in 17 of the other 20 years with an average count of 201)
- Hoary Redpoll – zero (only single birds reported in two of the other 20 years) ● Pine Siskin – 176 (new high total compared to an average of 22)
- White-winged Crossbill – 0 (recorded sporadically in the first twenty years with an average of 10)
- Red Crossbill – 5 (also recorded sporadically but the total is second only to the 15 reported in 2020)
- Evening Grosbeak – zero compared to an average of 132 and quite a comedown from the 801 reported last year
Thanks to all the volunteers who participated, and a special thank you to Mary Vandenhoff for again hosting a great compilation social. Hope to see you all next year on December 30th.
