On Dec 27th, 33 field observers took to the wilds of Carleton Place and surroundings to espy as many birds as possible, all in support of the Audubon CBC. The field observers were supported by 22 feeder observers tucked warmly in their abodes. The day was mostly cloudy with roughly -5C and a layer of snow. Most of the Mississippi River was open in town.
The overall individual count was maybe 10% lower than our average for a total of 5115 whereas our species counts was 48 just above our average. The downside was the near complete lack of northern birds; no Redpolls, no Pine Grosbeaks, no Bohemian Waxwings flaunting their jaunty berets and knowledge of Proust, no Snowy Owls and few Siskins and finches of any kind. On the upside we added 3 species never seen before on our CBC; Trumpeter Swans, Gray Catbird and Swamp Sparrow as well as a record high number of Red-bellied Woodpeckers at feeders. Every year the swans have been hanging around the area later and later, and in 2024 it was 3 days before Christmas and they were still at the bridge over the river. There was a smattering of raptors around posing for pictures including 6 Bald Eagles who patrolled the open water for easy prey as well as the Coopers and Sharp-shinned Hawks both working mercilessly on the Mourning Dove innocently bobbing their heads at the feeders.
I want to thank the continuous support year after year of the regular crew of volunteers as well as the new observers who pop up each season when visiting the area and take a day of their time to help.
“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been” – Rilke
Cheers and best to all in 2025
