For the fourth year in a row Clearwater (V0E 1N0) has topped the Great Backyard Bird Count standings in Canada, organizers report. In submitting 354 checklists Clearwater more than doubled the output of London, Ontario, which was in second place with 169 checklists. This year’s effort also landed Clearwater in sixth place in North America – our highest international standing yet.
Though Clearwater broke last year’s checklist record by 25, individual bird numbers were down to 8,669 compared to the record 9,715 set in 2010. The chilly weather along with so much snow may have deterred some birds. Perhaps there was more food in the north for the Redpolls as their numbers dropped to 114 compared to 1,145 last year.
The number of species observed was three less than last year’s record 54 even though four new species were identified -Bohemian waxwings were seen by several people, Mary Stewart saw a Three-toed woodpecker, while Hoo Ping Crane (the nom de plume of one of the organizers) spotted both a Dunlin and Yellow-rumped warbler. The Dunlin would be migrating to the Arctic, while the warbler missed its booking with the travel agent for a flight to Phoenix, Arizona, or Victoria, B.C.
Those two new species required photos for confirmation. Unfortunately reports of Turkey vultures still require photo confirmation. If anyone happened to snap a photo of the vultures in the week before or after the GBBC, please contact Hoo Ping Crane at 250-674-2518.
Organizers say thanks to all the participants. To receive a personalized thank you photo be sure Hoo Ping Crane knows of your participation.
