Guelph’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Guelph’s 54th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place in December, 2020. Stay tuned for more details!

REPORT ON GUELPH’s 53^rd CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT – DECEMBER 15, 2019

By: Mike Cadman, CBC Coordinator

We had a record turnout of 83 participants (up from last year’s record high of 73). Overall it was a slow day, perhaps due to the strong winds which were 20-31 km all day, with temperatures ranging from -6 Celcius to -1. There were 2-8 cm of snow on the ground and it was mostly cloudy. Still water was mostly frozen and moving water was open.

We found 60 species, which is on the low side for recent years, and tallied a total of 12,808 birds which is close to recent years’ average, but well down from totals of over 20,000 in both 2011 and 2012. But this year, we had a record count of Canada Geese (6427) making up over half of the total, so many birds were in lower numbers than usual.

We also had new record high numbers of Bald Eagles (10) and tied the record for Great Egret (1, which was previously reported only in 2011) and Common Yellowthroat (1, previously reported only in 2006). Another unusual bird was the Northern Mockingbird. In Count Week, we also had Eastern Towhee (1), Turkey Vulture (1) and Field Sparrow (1).

There were very low numbers of American Tree Sparrow (72), which is the second lowest ever count; House Finch (28), which is the lowest since 1984 soon after the species arrived in Guelph; House Sparrow (122), second lowest count ever; Blue Jay (70), which was the third lowest count.

Winter finches stayed in the Boreal forest this year, except for one flock of 12 Common Redpolls, though another group of 25 “Finch sp” might have been Redpolls.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with collecting the data, especially the 13 group leaders. Thanks also to Wild Birds Unlimited for donating a prize for a lucky CBC participant. Special thanks to Dave and Margaret Hull for hosting the tally rally for the 12^th straight year. This was Dave and Margaret’s last year hosting the wrap-up and all CBC participants are very grateful for their warm hospitality.

Incidentally, this means that we are now looking for someone to host the wrap-up for the 2020 count and beyond. If you’re interested in hosting 20-40 cold but very friendly and appreciative birders for the December 20, 2020, tally rally, please contact me at mike.cadman33@gmail.com. Thanks!

Here’s the total list of birds reported:

Note – the following information was posted in November, 2019 on how to get involved in Guelph’s 53rd Christmas Bird Count, which took place on Sunday, December 15, 2019. It will be updated sometime this coming November as we approach the date of the next Christmas Bird Count, which is to occur in December of 2020  

About the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Every December, people all over the world participate in a citizen science project called the Christmas Bird Count. The Guelph count takes place in a 24km diameter circle around the city, and is divided into sections. Birders go out in teams to identify and count as many birds as possible in a single day in their section and results are compiled at a “tally rally” at the end of the day. The data is an important contribution to knowledge of wintering bird populations and how they are changing over time. You can find more information on the CBC on Bird Studies Canada’s website at: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cbc/index.jsp?targetpg=cbcparticpate&lang=EN

The CBC is a great way to participate in avian science, learn a little about the birds that spend their winters here in Guelph, spend time exploring Guelph’s various habitats, and make some new birder friends. People of all levels of experience are welcome to participate.  

How To Take Part in Guelph’s CBC