Count # 123 / # 2 Jaffray-Wardner Christmas Bird Count - Thursday, December 15, 2022
The second Jaffray-Wardner Christmas Bird Count took place on December 15, 2022 with 14 participants and 2 feeder watchers. Temperatures were in the -4' C to -6' C range with overcast skies and only light winds. These conditions were favourable for both birds and birders. There was light traffic on the secondary roads which also favoured listening and walking. Our compiler for this count is Emma Bourassa. Thank you to Emma and all our keen participants.
Submitted by Daryl Calder
The second Jaffray-Wardner Christmas Bird Count took place on December 15, 2022 with 14 participants and 2 feeder watchers. Temperatures were in the -4' C to -6' C range with overcast skies and only light winds. These conditions were favourable for both birds and birders. There was light traffic on the secondary roads which also favoured listening and walking. Our compiler for this count is Emma Bourassa. Thank you to Emma and all our keen participants.
Submitted by Daryl Calder
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
|
Canada Goose |
12 |
0 |
|
Mallard |
67 |
244 |
|
Green-winged Teal |
1 |
0 |
|
Bufflehead |
5 |
8 |
|
Common Goldeneye |
2 |
20 |
|
Common Merganser |
0 |
3 |
|
Ruffed Grouse |
10 |
20 |
|
Wild Turkey |
119 |
31 |
|
Great Blue Heron |
1 |
3 |
|
Golden Eagle |
1 |
1 |
|
Bald Eagle |
6 |
23 |
|
Red-tailed Hawk |
2 |
1 |
|
Rough-legged Hawk |
1 |
1 |
|
Rock Pigeon |
6 |
4 |
|
Eurasian Collared-dove |
32 |
22 |
|
Northern Pygmy Owl |
1 |
1 |
|
Belted Kingfisher |
2 |
0 |
|
Downy Woodpecker |
12 |
13 |
|
Hairy Woodpecker |
3 |
7 |
|
Northern Flicker |
41 |
30 |
|
Pileated Woodpecker |
3 |
3 |
|
Merlin |
0 |
1 |
|
Northern Shrike |
0 |
3 |
|
Canada Jay |
2 |
0 |
|
Stellars Jay |
4 |
4 |
|
Blue Jay |
2 |
12 |
|
Black-billed Magpie |
12 |
11 |
|
Clark's Nutcracker |
14 |
0 |
|
American Crow |
157 |
35 |
|
Common Raven |
80 |
102 |
|
Black-capped Chickadee |
113 |
107 |
|
Mountain Chickadee |
15 |
39 |
|
Chickadee species |
17 |
5 |
|
Red-breasted Nuthatch |
57 |
70 |
|
Brown Creeper |
2 |
1 |
|
American Dipper |
3 |
3 |
|
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
1 |
1 |
|
Townsend's Solitaire |
22 |
19 |
|
American Robin |
1 |
14 |
|
European Starling |
0 |
14 |
|
Bohemian Waxwing |
0 |
90 |
|
Dark-eyed Junco |
4 |
169 |
|
Song Sparrow |
10 |
13 |
|
House Finch |
51 |
15 |
|
Cassin's Finch |
0 |
2 |
|
Red Crossbill |
98 |
28 |
|
White-winged Crossbill |
0 |
1 |
|
Common Redpoll |
9 |
0 |
|
Evening Grosbeak |
32 |
39 |
|
House Sparrow |
14 |
36 |
|
Northern Pintail |
1 |
0 |
|
Grey crowned Rosy Finch |
2 |
0 |
|
Passerine |
6 |
2 |
|
Total sightings |
1057 |
1272 |
|
Total species |
45 |
44 |
Northern Goshawk, Cranbrook - K. Fox photo
Count #123 / #25 Cranbrook and Kimberley Christmas Bird Count Results
By Dianne Cooper
Updated 2023-01-08
The 25th annual Christmas Bird Counts for Cranbrook and Kimberley were held on December 31, 2022 and January 4, 2023 respectively.
On count day, co-ordinated teams of counters cover as much of a specified 24-km diameter circle as possible to tally all birds they see and feeder counters tally the highest number of a species seen at one time around their yard. Count week extends three days before and three days after count day. Any species NOT seen on Count Day but seen during Count Week can be included for our own interest in the count reported to Bird Studies Canada/National Audubon Society but numbers of individuals of "count week" species are not added to the official count tally.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science project in the world and data contributes much to our understanding of bird population trends and distribution.
Cranbrook CBC Results
#123 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#25 Cranbrook
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 31 Dec 2022
Count week: 28 Dec 2022 – 03 Jan 2023
Species total: 39 (44 species last year) - Plus five species during count week
All-time species #: 95
Total number of individual birds: 1,511 (last year: 1,892, average: 2,595)
Summary
The word for this year’s count is “average”. Of the species seen, most numbers were average, or on either side of average. There were a lot of misses and low numbers of “winter” birds but one new species was added to the list for the Cranbrook Christmas Bird Count: Western Bluebird (1). Rare visitors were Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (1) and Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), both at feeders on count day, and a Northern Goshawk (1) at a feeder the following day. The more usual feeder species were about average in number except for Blue Jay (37) whose numbers have been relatively high for the past 10 years.
The 1,511 individual birds counted were, unfortunately, the fourth lowest number in the 25 years of the Cranbrook count. Perhaps it was as Ian Adams said in his radio interview with Dennis Walker on 2Day Radio about the Christmas Bird Count, which aired on Friday morning. He suggested that warmer weather encourages the birds to spread out into the forests and bushes rather than concentrating at the easy food sources around feeders. But this winter so far, it is my impression there are fewer birds of all species round and about, generally.
Counter’s Perspective
The “big freeze” on Tuesday impacted the Cranbrook count. It was originally scheduled to go on Wednesday 28 December but freezing rain the day before turned all the roads into one big skating rink. We decided to reschedule and managed to scramble the field counters to come out Saturday 31 December instead, hoping the roads would be gravelled. Last year the challenge was snow and fog with side streets, alleys, and roads barely passable; and it was cold.
Saturday was indeed a better day for travel. The roads were gravelled, there was little to no wind, temperatures were relatively balmy, peaking above zero, and there was even some very welcome afternoon sunshine. This made for pleasant travel for the 15 field counters as we covered the usual circle from St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. We didn’t get as many birds as usual but we did get some good ones. We walked 10 km and drove 247 km combined. The nine feeder watchers also had a pleasant day and were happy with more bird activity in their yards this year compared to last; and they got some very interesting birds.
Teamwork
A team feels a sense of accomplishment when they can contribute a unique species (but wish for everyone to see something good, of course!). The Jimsmith-Green Bay team contributed 6 unique species this year: Ruffed Grouse (2), Bald Eagle (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Black-billed Magpie (1), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), and the first Western Bluebird (1) for the Cranbrook CBC count. Field counters in the New Lake-Old Wycliffe sector got our only Steller’s Jay (1), American Three-toed Woodpecker (1), and Brown Creeper (2). The South Cranbrook team got our only sighting of Common Redpoll (12). A feeder watcher in the same sector got our only Gray-crowned Rosy-finch (1) – a rare winter visitor in town. A couple of years ago, a small flock wintered in the alleys behind Jewels on Ninth so maybe this bird is one of them coming back to the area.
Misses and Low Numbers
Of the species usually more common in winter, we completely missed Evening Grosbeak and Pine Grosbeak. Northern Pygmy-Owl was also missed on count day but there were several reports in the region earlier in the month. Pine Siskin was reported during count week.
Moving waters, such as the Saint Mary’s River and the bubbling sewage lagoons, were almost completely frozen over. This may explain why we didn’t get any Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, nor Great Blue Heron. There were only a few Common Goldeneye (7) at the sewage lagoons this year and an American Dipper seen on the 28th can be recorded for “count week”.
Count Week
During count week, 3 days either side of count day, birders and feeder watchers saw Common Merganser, American Dipper, American Goldfinch and American Robin.
One of our largest forest raptors made an unusual appearance at a feeder in South Cranbrook. This Northern Goshawk was hanging out sporadically at the feeder for several days and the resident was excited to find out what it was and contribute her sighting to the count.
Numerous Species
Bohemian Waxwings (122) are often our most numerous winter birds but their numbers were especially low this year, only a fifth of average. First spot this year was taken by Mallard (256) with average numbers. Second spot, for the first time, was Mountain Chickadee (133) with numbers above average, followed closely by House Finch (130) whose numbers were below average. Common Raven (108) numbers were also below average but they are still in the top 5.
Of our other numerous species, American Crow (56) numbers were dismally half of average while Rock Pigeon (90) was up from last year but still below average.
New Species
One new species for the Cranbrook count circle was recorded. A Western Bluebird is toughing it out over the winter in the Jimsmith area. We are all familiar with Western Bluebird, a beloved nester in bluebird boxes, but they all usually leave by the end of October. This bird looks like it is doing fine but we always wonder how primarily insect-eating birds manage to find enough to eat in the winter. This is Western Bluebird’s first “official” inclusion on our list but one was seen on count #98 in December 1997 before the Cranbrook count was registered with the Audubon Society.
The total number of species ever seen on the Cranbrook count now stands at 95 species. We usually only see around 40 to 45 of those on count day with the rest appearing only once or twice over the 25 years of the count.
Rare species
Rare appearances were made by Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (1) at a feeder in south Cranbrook and Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2) at a feeder in Green Bay on Moyie Lake. Chestnut-backed’s are more common in Creston in winter than the other chickadees, Black-capped and Mountain, but here, they are rare. On Vancouver Island, they are the only regular chickadee. We also have Boreal Chickadee in the area but they prefer higher elevations and are extremely rare lower down at any time of year.
Uncommon species, winter or year-round
Year-round species: Townsend’s Solitaire (5) numbers were a bit below average but they have been seen on every count in the last 25 years. It is always nice to get Ruffed Grouse (2), Belted Kingfisher (1), American Three-toed Woodpecker (1), and Brown Creeper (2). Black-billed Magpie (1) are more common east of the Rockies but this side has a few year-round, too.
Merlin (3) have been seen on the last 9 counts. My team’s very last bird of the day was a lucky sighting of a Merlin in a strange place: at the busiest intersection in town, Victoria and the Highway. As we pulled up to a red light, we noticed a fairly good-sized bird sitting in a leafless tree in the courtyard of the Courtyard Inn. Luckily, it waited for us to circle back on the side streets and sneak up on it from around East Side Mario’s, giving us a clear view of its sleek but powerful falcon shape and dark moustache, before it flew off across Victoria. It was probably hunting for House Sparrows in the alleys. Merlin and its larger cousin, the Peregrin Falcon, have shown to be adept at surviving in more urban settings: tolerant of bustling human activity and able to take advantage of the concentration of small birds attracted to human-provided food.
Summer birds: A few individuals of common summer birds brave out winter here: some Common Goldeneye (7) and a Common Merganser (count week) stayed as far north as they dared. There was also the one Western Bluebird, new to the Cranbrook count, and American Robin (count week). Contrary to popular belief, not all Robins fly south for the winter - they have been seen on 16 of our 25 counts.
Colder climes: Winter visitors from further north or from higher elevations sometimes over-winter around town. Last year we missed Northern Shrike (2), but this year managed to spot a couple. However, we missed Northern Pygmy-Owl and White-winged Crossbills.
Introduced Species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (25) numbers were more or less average after record numbers (44) last year. Rock Pigeon (90) and European Starling (24) were both below average. House Sparrow (63) seemed spread all over town this year rather than staying mostly around Superstore.
High Numbers
Blue Jay (37) was our only species that had high numbers this year – over twice the average. They were first recorded in the East Kootenay in Marysville by Jean Iverson and Mildred White in the late winter of 1967.
Feeder Birds
Of the winter feeder birds, Clark's Nutcracker (4) numbers for Cranbrook are always lower than Kimberley. The extremely low count of Common Redpoll (12) this year is worrisome; their numbers appear low across the northern hemisphere, just like back in Dec 2019, but hopefully they will rebound quickly as they usually do. Red Crossbill (87) numbers seem to be increasing a little the past five years. The highly variable distribution and population size of White-winged Crossbill was illustrated by us missing them completely this year, this after a record number (45) were seen last year.
Many of our regular feeder birds showed average to low numbers, but this was better than last year’s low numbers for everything. Numbers were average for Downy Woodpecker (15), Hairy Woodpecker (8), Pileated Woodpecker (6), White-breasted Nuthatch (3), Canada Jay (6), and Song Sparrow (10). Numbers were below average for Steller’s Jay (1), Black-capped Chickadee (64 – half of average), and House Finch (130 – half of average). But Northern Flicker (30), Red-breasted Nuthatch (101), and Dark-eyed Junco (51) were all above average.
American Goldfinch (count week), and Pine Siskin were missed but there was still plenty of activity at most feeders this year, with relatively high numbers of Mountain Chickadee (133) and Blue Jay (37).
Common – Year-round Species
The last two species to mention are Bald Eagle (1) and Wild Turkey (15). We get a half dozen Bald Eagles on average but our streak of getting them on every count would have been broken if the one spotted at Palmer Bar pulloff on count day had not been seen. Wild Turkey (15) were of average number.
Following is the Cranbrook #123 list:
By Dianne Cooper
Updated 2023-01-08
The 25th annual Christmas Bird Counts for Cranbrook and Kimberley were held on December 31, 2022 and January 4, 2023 respectively.
On count day, co-ordinated teams of counters cover as much of a specified 24-km diameter circle as possible to tally all birds they see and feeder counters tally the highest number of a species seen at one time around their yard. Count week extends three days before and three days after count day. Any species NOT seen on Count Day but seen during Count Week can be included for our own interest in the count reported to Bird Studies Canada/National Audubon Society but numbers of individuals of "count week" species are not added to the official count tally.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science project in the world and data contributes much to our understanding of bird population trends and distribution.
Cranbrook CBC Results
#123 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#25 Cranbrook
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 31 Dec 2022
Count week: 28 Dec 2022 – 03 Jan 2023
Species total: 39 (44 species last year) - Plus five species during count week
All-time species #: 95
Total number of individual birds: 1,511 (last year: 1,892, average: 2,595)
Summary
The word for this year’s count is “average”. Of the species seen, most numbers were average, or on either side of average. There were a lot of misses and low numbers of “winter” birds but one new species was added to the list for the Cranbrook Christmas Bird Count: Western Bluebird (1). Rare visitors were Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (1) and Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), both at feeders on count day, and a Northern Goshawk (1) at a feeder the following day. The more usual feeder species were about average in number except for Blue Jay (37) whose numbers have been relatively high for the past 10 years.
The 1,511 individual birds counted were, unfortunately, the fourth lowest number in the 25 years of the Cranbrook count. Perhaps it was as Ian Adams said in his radio interview with Dennis Walker on 2Day Radio about the Christmas Bird Count, which aired on Friday morning. He suggested that warmer weather encourages the birds to spread out into the forests and bushes rather than concentrating at the easy food sources around feeders. But this winter so far, it is my impression there are fewer birds of all species round and about, generally.
Counter’s Perspective
The “big freeze” on Tuesday impacted the Cranbrook count. It was originally scheduled to go on Wednesday 28 December but freezing rain the day before turned all the roads into one big skating rink. We decided to reschedule and managed to scramble the field counters to come out Saturday 31 December instead, hoping the roads would be gravelled. Last year the challenge was snow and fog with side streets, alleys, and roads barely passable; and it was cold.
Saturday was indeed a better day for travel. The roads were gravelled, there was little to no wind, temperatures were relatively balmy, peaking above zero, and there was even some very welcome afternoon sunshine. This made for pleasant travel for the 15 field counters as we covered the usual circle from St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. We didn’t get as many birds as usual but we did get some good ones. We walked 10 km and drove 247 km combined. The nine feeder watchers also had a pleasant day and were happy with more bird activity in their yards this year compared to last; and they got some very interesting birds.
Teamwork
A team feels a sense of accomplishment when they can contribute a unique species (but wish for everyone to see something good, of course!). The Jimsmith-Green Bay team contributed 6 unique species this year: Ruffed Grouse (2), Bald Eagle (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Black-billed Magpie (1), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), and the first Western Bluebird (1) for the Cranbrook CBC count. Field counters in the New Lake-Old Wycliffe sector got our only Steller’s Jay (1), American Three-toed Woodpecker (1), and Brown Creeper (2). The South Cranbrook team got our only sighting of Common Redpoll (12). A feeder watcher in the same sector got our only Gray-crowned Rosy-finch (1) – a rare winter visitor in town. A couple of years ago, a small flock wintered in the alleys behind Jewels on Ninth so maybe this bird is one of them coming back to the area.
Misses and Low Numbers
Of the species usually more common in winter, we completely missed Evening Grosbeak and Pine Grosbeak. Northern Pygmy-Owl was also missed on count day but there were several reports in the region earlier in the month. Pine Siskin was reported during count week.
Moving waters, such as the Saint Mary’s River and the bubbling sewage lagoons, were almost completely frozen over. This may explain why we didn’t get any Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, nor Great Blue Heron. There were only a few Common Goldeneye (7) at the sewage lagoons this year and an American Dipper seen on the 28th can be recorded for “count week”.
Count Week
During count week, 3 days either side of count day, birders and feeder watchers saw Common Merganser, American Dipper, American Goldfinch and American Robin.
One of our largest forest raptors made an unusual appearance at a feeder in South Cranbrook. This Northern Goshawk was hanging out sporadically at the feeder for several days and the resident was excited to find out what it was and contribute her sighting to the count.
Numerous Species
Bohemian Waxwings (122) are often our most numerous winter birds but their numbers were especially low this year, only a fifth of average. First spot this year was taken by Mallard (256) with average numbers. Second spot, for the first time, was Mountain Chickadee (133) with numbers above average, followed closely by House Finch (130) whose numbers were below average. Common Raven (108) numbers were also below average but they are still in the top 5.
Of our other numerous species, American Crow (56) numbers were dismally half of average while Rock Pigeon (90) was up from last year but still below average.
New Species
One new species for the Cranbrook count circle was recorded. A Western Bluebird is toughing it out over the winter in the Jimsmith area. We are all familiar with Western Bluebird, a beloved nester in bluebird boxes, but they all usually leave by the end of October. This bird looks like it is doing fine but we always wonder how primarily insect-eating birds manage to find enough to eat in the winter. This is Western Bluebird’s first “official” inclusion on our list but one was seen on count #98 in December 1997 before the Cranbrook count was registered with the Audubon Society.
The total number of species ever seen on the Cranbrook count now stands at 95 species. We usually only see around 40 to 45 of those on count day with the rest appearing only once or twice over the 25 years of the count.
Rare species
Rare appearances were made by Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (1) at a feeder in south Cranbrook and Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2) at a feeder in Green Bay on Moyie Lake. Chestnut-backed’s are more common in Creston in winter than the other chickadees, Black-capped and Mountain, but here, they are rare. On Vancouver Island, they are the only regular chickadee. We also have Boreal Chickadee in the area but they prefer higher elevations and are extremely rare lower down at any time of year.
Uncommon species, winter or year-round
Year-round species: Townsend’s Solitaire (5) numbers were a bit below average but they have been seen on every count in the last 25 years. It is always nice to get Ruffed Grouse (2), Belted Kingfisher (1), American Three-toed Woodpecker (1), and Brown Creeper (2). Black-billed Magpie (1) are more common east of the Rockies but this side has a few year-round, too.
Merlin (3) have been seen on the last 9 counts. My team’s very last bird of the day was a lucky sighting of a Merlin in a strange place: at the busiest intersection in town, Victoria and the Highway. As we pulled up to a red light, we noticed a fairly good-sized bird sitting in a leafless tree in the courtyard of the Courtyard Inn. Luckily, it waited for us to circle back on the side streets and sneak up on it from around East Side Mario’s, giving us a clear view of its sleek but powerful falcon shape and dark moustache, before it flew off across Victoria. It was probably hunting for House Sparrows in the alleys. Merlin and its larger cousin, the Peregrin Falcon, have shown to be adept at surviving in more urban settings: tolerant of bustling human activity and able to take advantage of the concentration of small birds attracted to human-provided food.
Summer birds: A few individuals of common summer birds brave out winter here: some Common Goldeneye (7) and a Common Merganser (count week) stayed as far north as they dared. There was also the one Western Bluebird, new to the Cranbrook count, and American Robin (count week). Contrary to popular belief, not all Robins fly south for the winter - they have been seen on 16 of our 25 counts.
Colder climes: Winter visitors from further north or from higher elevations sometimes over-winter around town. Last year we missed Northern Shrike (2), but this year managed to spot a couple. However, we missed Northern Pygmy-Owl and White-winged Crossbills.
Introduced Species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (25) numbers were more or less average after record numbers (44) last year. Rock Pigeon (90) and European Starling (24) were both below average. House Sparrow (63) seemed spread all over town this year rather than staying mostly around Superstore.
High Numbers
Blue Jay (37) was our only species that had high numbers this year – over twice the average. They were first recorded in the East Kootenay in Marysville by Jean Iverson and Mildred White in the late winter of 1967.
Feeder Birds
Of the winter feeder birds, Clark's Nutcracker (4) numbers for Cranbrook are always lower than Kimberley. The extremely low count of Common Redpoll (12) this year is worrisome; their numbers appear low across the northern hemisphere, just like back in Dec 2019, but hopefully they will rebound quickly as they usually do. Red Crossbill (87) numbers seem to be increasing a little the past five years. The highly variable distribution and population size of White-winged Crossbill was illustrated by us missing them completely this year, this after a record number (45) were seen last year.
Many of our regular feeder birds showed average to low numbers, but this was better than last year’s low numbers for everything. Numbers were average for Downy Woodpecker (15), Hairy Woodpecker (8), Pileated Woodpecker (6), White-breasted Nuthatch (3), Canada Jay (6), and Song Sparrow (10). Numbers were below average for Steller’s Jay (1), Black-capped Chickadee (64 – half of average), and House Finch (130 – half of average). But Northern Flicker (30), Red-breasted Nuthatch (101), and Dark-eyed Junco (51) were all above average.
American Goldfinch (count week), and Pine Siskin were missed but there was still plenty of activity at most feeders this year, with relatively high numbers of Mountain Chickadee (133) and Blue Jay (37).
Common – Year-round Species
The last two species to mention are Bald Eagle (1) and Wild Turkey (15). We get a half dozen Bald Eagles on average but our streak of getting them on every count would have been broken if the one spotted at Palmer Bar pulloff on count day had not been seen. Wild Turkey (15) were of average number.
Following is the Cranbrook #123 list:
|
Trend_Type |
Txn_Report |
Count |
|
|
1 |
average |
Mallard |
256 |
|
2 |
low |
Common Goldeneye |
7 |
|
cw |
Common Merganser |
||
|
3 |
average |
Ruffed Grouse |
2 |
|
4 |
average |
Wild Turkey |
15 |
|
cw |
Northern Goshawk |
||
|
5 |
low |
Bald Eagle |
1 |
|
6 |
< avg |
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) |
90 |
|
7 |
> avg |
Eurasian Collared-Dove |
25 |
|
8 |
average |
Belted Kingfisher |
1 |
|
9 |
average |
Downy Woodpecker |
15 |
|
10 |
average |
Hairy Woodpecker |
8 |
|
11 |
average |
American Three-toed Woodpecker |
1 |
|
12 |
> avg |
Northern Flicker |
30 |
|
13 |
average |
Pileated Woodpecker |
6 |
|
14 |
average |
Merlin |
3 |
|
15 |
average |
Northern Shrike |
2 |
|
16 |
average |
Canada Jay |
6 |
|
17 |
< avg |
Steller's Jay |
1 |
|
18 |
high |
Blue Jay |
37 |
|
19 |
average |
Black-billed Magpie |
1 |
|
20 |
< avg |
Clark's Nutcracker |
10 |
|
21 |
< avg |
American Crow |
56 |
|
22 |
< avg |
Common Raven |
108 |
|
23 |
< avg |
Black-capped Chickadee |
64 |
|
24 |
> avg |
Mountain Chickadee |
133 |
|
25 |
rare |
Chestnut-backed Chickadee |
2 |
|
chickadee sp. |
17 |
||
|
26 |
> avg |
Red-breasted Nuthatch |
101 |
|
27 |
average |
White-breasted Nuthatch |
3 |
|
28 |
average |
Brown Creeper |
2 |
|
cw |
American Dipper |
||
|
29 |
first |
Western Bluebird |
1 |
|
30 |
< avg |
Townsend's Solitaire |
5 |
|
cw |
American Robin |
||
|
32 |
< avg |
European Starling |
24 |
|
32 |
low |
Bohemian Waxwing |
122 |
|
33 |
> avg |
Dark-eyed Junco |
51 |
|
34 |
average |
Song Sparrow |
10 |
|
35 |
rare |
Gray-crowned Rosy-finch |
1 |
|
36 |
< avg |
House Finch |
130 |
|
37 |
low |
Common Redpoll |
12 |
|
38 |
> avg |
Red Crossbill |
87 |
|
cw |
Pine Siskin |
||
|
cw |
American Goldfinch |
||
|
39 |
average |
House Sparrow |
63 |
|
passerine sp. |
2 |
||
|
Total number of individuals: |
1511 |
Ruffed Grouse, Wasa area, January 2023 - C. Rioux photo
Kimberley CBC Results
#123 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#25 Kimberley
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 04-Jan-2023
Count week: 01-Jan to 07-Jan-2023
Species total: 40 (44 species last year)
Total number of individual birds: 1,669 (last year: 2,270, average: 2,361)
Summary
This was also the 25th official count for the Kimberley CBC. The first official (properly done) count was January 2, 1999. Happy quarter-century CBCers!
The story for Kimberley’s 25th count is near misses and missing winter species. Also, we saw lower than average the number of individual birds. The previous two years we saw a good number (#121 – 2,368, #122 – 2,270). We did not get any new species but we did get several unusual species.
Weather
This year’s weather was quite pleasant for the field counters. There was little wind (except on exposed hilltops) and no precipitation. The light was dull because it was overcast but that is alright for spotting birds. The roads were good, if not a little bumpy from leftover ice.
Teamwork
Eighteen field counters covered the circle which includes Wasa, Meadowbrook, Kimberley, and Wycliffe and we had three feeder counters. We drove 246 km and walked 18 km between us.
A good number of species could have been missed if not for the combined effort of the teams. The Kimberley team got our only Wilson's Snipe (1). It’s strange to see a shorebird in the ice-encrusted grasses along a frozen creek or seepage but it is surprising how often a Snipe or Rail or Killdeer stays behind.
Some of the ducks that would normally be in the Cranbrook circle, may have gone to the Wasa area instead where there was more open water. Common Goldeneye (52) numbers were high for the Kimberley circle. One Common Merganser (1) was spotted, just like the Cranbrook count (count week). In the autumn, these waterfowl form large multi-family rafts as they migrate southward down the Kootenay River so it is unusual to see loners like this. The Wasa team also got a few Red-winged Blackbird (8) staying further north than normal.
The Wycliffe area is the place to find Snow Bunting (20) and Pygmy Nuthatch (6). The Wycliffe team also saw our only European Starling (6) and also chanced upon a Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) and two White-crowned Sparrow (2) at a new participants feeder in Wycliffe townsite.
Misses
Northern Pygmy-Owl was missed for the second year in a row. Red-tailed Hawk was seen on the previous 4 counts but not on count day nor during count week. It has been on 14 of the past 25 counts. Belted Kingfisher was missed for first time in 5 years, not showing at it’s usual spots at Lewis’ Slough, the Ta Ta Creek bridge, nor along the St Mary’s River at Wycliffe or Marysville. Canada Jay was missed on the count after being on the previous four counts but was seen during count week. Brown Creeper was missed on count day for first time in 6 years but was seen during count week. Mourning Dove was also recorded only during count week. American Tree Sparrow was missed after being on 8 of last 11 counts – the feeder they frequent was not stocked with seed this year.
Similar to Cranbrook, the usual winter feeder birds were not around this year. Evening Grosbeak was missed for third time out of 25 counts. Pine Grosbeak, also missed, has been on 20 of 25 counts. Common Redpoll was missed for first time in 13 years and there were only a dozen of them in Cranbrook. Pine Siskin was missed for the second year in a row.
Near Misses
European Starling (6) and Red-winged Blackbird (8) were seen by only one team. Blackbird numbers were a third of average but they are a more recent winter hold-over being on 7 of the past 9 counts, and they were scarce before that.
Northern Shrike (2) can easily be missed because there are few around but two teams managed to spot one each.
The Wycliffe team had to work a bit harder this year to get Snow Bunting (20). A few Buntings can usually be found perched on the fence at the stock pen of a local cattle ranch. This year, the Buntings were too busy feeding on the ground between the cows to be bothered by the approach of the counters. It is amazing how well hidden and camouflaged this little white and brown bird is amongst the hummocks of white snow and dark brown muck. The counters had to venture a bit closer than usual to the cows before spotting the scurrying Buntings, busily getting their breakfast in the warm steaming manure. Snow Bunting have been seen on 14 of Kimberley’s 25 counts but on only 3 of Cranbrook’s.
New species
There were no new species on the Kimberley count so the 82 species ever seen on count day or count week still stands. The average is 42 species so we were slightly below that his year.
Rare and unusual
White-crowned Sparrow (2) was seen for only the second time on the Kimberley count. The other time was Jan 2003. In winter, they are not uncommon in the Okanagan and lower mainland, but most go south of the 49th.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), a small, migratory raptor that feeds on small birds, are never numerous and are more common in the Okanagan and on the coast in British Columbia in winter. This one was near a feeder, a convenient source of food.
Unusual species were Wilson’s Snipe (1) in Kimberley and Common Merganser (1) out in the Wasa area.
Low Numbers
Clark's Nutcracker (17) were low again, after two good years of higher numbers. American Crow (19) numbers were half of average. Bohemian Waxwing (410) numbers were quite low, about a third of average, but this was better than Cranbrook’s fifth of average. Their winter populations everywhere have dropped at least 30% (eBird Trend map) in the past 15 years.
Uncommon species
Year-round species:
There are always more Black-billed Magpie (11) in the Kimberley circle compared to Cranbrook. Two teams each managed to get an American Dipper (2) in their usual places even though unfrozen spots along the rivers and creeks were sparse. Golden-crowned Kinglet (2) are always few in number and they are difficult to detect because they prefer the treetops and are very quiet. Townsend's Solitaire (10) numbers were average.
The six Ruffed Grouse (6) spotted is a new maximum; we usually only see one or two. Blue Jay (18) also showed a new maximum; they seem to be increasing slowly over the years.
Bald Eagle (9) numbers were average this year.
Mourning Dove, Brown Creeper, and Canada Jay were seen during count week.
Summer birds:
Common Goldeneye (52) seen in the Wasa area may be concentrated there due to less availability of open water in other areas. American Robin (4) numbers were half of average. Red-winged Blackbird (8) numbers were a third of average but they have only been on 7 of the past 9 counts. The first Wilson's Snipe (1) in eight years was seen; they have been on 8 of our 25 counts. Rare appearances were made by White-crowned Sparrow (2), only the second time on Kimberley count, and Common Merganser (1).
Colder climes:
A few Snow Bunting (20) usually overwinter here. Their numbers are always variable but they have been on 14 of 25 counts, mostly in the past 15 years. Two Northern Shrike (2) were spotted – they are always few.
Introduced Species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (21) numbers are slowly increasing in the whole region. European Starling (6) were below average by about half but I have seen them already checking out possible nesting sites in holes in buildings. House Sparrow were missed this year. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (88) were above average; numbers in the Kimberley count circle are generally increasing.
High Numbers
The same number of Dark-eyed Junco (51) were counted in Kimberley as in Cranbrook but Kimberley usually gets fewer so this is a high number for Kimberley. The fifty-two Common Goldeneye (52) were a high number for the Kimberley count and would be for the Cranbrook count as well; the average is 18 to 21.
Feeder Birds
Common – Year-round Species
Black-capped Chickadee (99) numbers were below average, the lowest of the past eight years. Also below average were Downy Woodpecker (16), Steller's Jay (6) and White-breasted Nuthatch (4), the latter have had sparse numbers the past 17 years.
Average numbers were seen for American Goldfinch (27), which has been on 8 of the last 9 counts, Hairy Woodpecker (14), Northern Flicker (29), Pileated Woodpecker (8), and Pygmy Nuthatch (6).
Above average numbers were seen for House Finch (123), which had good numbers last year, too. The past three years has seen above average numbers for Mountain Chickadee (144) and Red-breasted Nuthatch (92). Song Sparrow (11) numbers were only a bit above average.
High numbers were seen for Dark-eyed Junco (51), and Blue Jay (18) showed a new maximum.
Winter feeder birds
Red Crossbill (125) numbers were twice their average, a decent number here this year. Clark's Nutcracker (17) were low after two good years. The winter feeder species, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, and Common Redpoll were a no-show.
Numerous Species
Common Raven (91) numbers were low after two average years. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (88) were above average; they are generally increasing in the circle area, especially in the City. Mallard (3) numbers were average. Wild Turkey (50) numbers were average but they seem to be wintering in more areas in the City this year.
Below is the Kimberley #123 list:
#123 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#25 Kimberley
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 04-Jan-2023
Count week: 01-Jan to 07-Jan-2023
Species total: 40 (44 species last year)
Total number of individual birds: 1,669 (last year: 2,270, average: 2,361)
Summary
This was also the 25th official count for the Kimberley CBC. The first official (properly done) count was January 2, 1999. Happy quarter-century CBCers!
The story for Kimberley’s 25th count is near misses and missing winter species. Also, we saw lower than average the number of individual birds. The previous two years we saw a good number (#121 – 2,368, #122 – 2,270). We did not get any new species but we did get several unusual species.
Weather
This year’s weather was quite pleasant for the field counters. There was little wind (except on exposed hilltops) and no precipitation. The light was dull because it was overcast but that is alright for spotting birds. The roads were good, if not a little bumpy from leftover ice.
Teamwork
Eighteen field counters covered the circle which includes Wasa, Meadowbrook, Kimberley, and Wycliffe and we had three feeder counters. We drove 246 km and walked 18 km between us.
A good number of species could have been missed if not for the combined effort of the teams. The Kimberley team got our only Wilson's Snipe (1). It’s strange to see a shorebird in the ice-encrusted grasses along a frozen creek or seepage but it is surprising how often a Snipe or Rail or Killdeer stays behind.
Some of the ducks that would normally be in the Cranbrook circle, may have gone to the Wasa area instead where there was more open water. Common Goldeneye (52) numbers were high for the Kimberley circle. One Common Merganser (1) was spotted, just like the Cranbrook count (count week). In the autumn, these waterfowl form large multi-family rafts as they migrate southward down the Kootenay River so it is unusual to see loners like this. The Wasa team also got a few Red-winged Blackbird (8) staying further north than normal.
The Wycliffe area is the place to find Snow Bunting (20) and Pygmy Nuthatch (6). The Wycliffe team also saw our only European Starling (6) and also chanced upon a Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) and two White-crowned Sparrow (2) at a new participants feeder in Wycliffe townsite.
Misses
Northern Pygmy-Owl was missed for the second year in a row. Red-tailed Hawk was seen on the previous 4 counts but not on count day nor during count week. It has been on 14 of the past 25 counts. Belted Kingfisher was missed for first time in 5 years, not showing at it’s usual spots at Lewis’ Slough, the Ta Ta Creek bridge, nor along the St Mary’s River at Wycliffe or Marysville. Canada Jay was missed on the count after being on the previous four counts but was seen during count week. Brown Creeper was missed on count day for first time in 6 years but was seen during count week. Mourning Dove was also recorded only during count week. American Tree Sparrow was missed after being on 8 of last 11 counts – the feeder they frequent was not stocked with seed this year.
Similar to Cranbrook, the usual winter feeder birds were not around this year. Evening Grosbeak was missed for third time out of 25 counts. Pine Grosbeak, also missed, has been on 20 of 25 counts. Common Redpoll was missed for first time in 13 years and there were only a dozen of them in Cranbrook. Pine Siskin was missed for the second year in a row.
Near Misses
European Starling (6) and Red-winged Blackbird (8) were seen by only one team. Blackbird numbers were a third of average but they are a more recent winter hold-over being on 7 of the past 9 counts, and they were scarce before that.
Northern Shrike (2) can easily be missed because there are few around but two teams managed to spot one each.
The Wycliffe team had to work a bit harder this year to get Snow Bunting (20). A few Buntings can usually be found perched on the fence at the stock pen of a local cattle ranch. This year, the Buntings were too busy feeding on the ground between the cows to be bothered by the approach of the counters. It is amazing how well hidden and camouflaged this little white and brown bird is amongst the hummocks of white snow and dark brown muck. The counters had to venture a bit closer than usual to the cows before spotting the scurrying Buntings, busily getting their breakfast in the warm steaming manure. Snow Bunting have been seen on 14 of Kimberley’s 25 counts but on only 3 of Cranbrook’s.
New species
There were no new species on the Kimberley count so the 82 species ever seen on count day or count week still stands. The average is 42 species so we were slightly below that his year.
Rare and unusual
White-crowned Sparrow (2) was seen for only the second time on the Kimberley count. The other time was Jan 2003. In winter, they are not uncommon in the Okanagan and lower mainland, but most go south of the 49th.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), a small, migratory raptor that feeds on small birds, are never numerous and are more common in the Okanagan and on the coast in British Columbia in winter. This one was near a feeder, a convenient source of food.
Unusual species were Wilson’s Snipe (1) in Kimberley and Common Merganser (1) out in the Wasa area.
Low Numbers
Clark's Nutcracker (17) were low again, after two good years of higher numbers. American Crow (19) numbers were half of average. Bohemian Waxwing (410) numbers were quite low, about a third of average, but this was better than Cranbrook’s fifth of average. Their winter populations everywhere have dropped at least 30% (eBird Trend map) in the past 15 years.
Uncommon species
Year-round species:
There are always more Black-billed Magpie (11) in the Kimberley circle compared to Cranbrook. Two teams each managed to get an American Dipper (2) in their usual places even though unfrozen spots along the rivers and creeks were sparse. Golden-crowned Kinglet (2) are always few in number and they are difficult to detect because they prefer the treetops and are very quiet. Townsend's Solitaire (10) numbers were average.
The six Ruffed Grouse (6) spotted is a new maximum; we usually only see one or two. Blue Jay (18) also showed a new maximum; they seem to be increasing slowly over the years.
Bald Eagle (9) numbers were average this year.
Mourning Dove, Brown Creeper, and Canada Jay were seen during count week.
Summer birds:
Common Goldeneye (52) seen in the Wasa area may be concentrated there due to less availability of open water in other areas. American Robin (4) numbers were half of average. Red-winged Blackbird (8) numbers were a third of average but they have only been on 7 of the past 9 counts. The first Wilson's Snipe (1) in eight years was seen; they have been on 8 of our 25 counts. Rare appearances were made by White-crowned Sparrow (2), only the second time on Kimberley count, and Common Merganser (1).
Colder climes:
A few Snow Bunting (20) usually overwinter here. Their numbers are always variable but they have been on 14 of 25 counts, mostly in the past 15 years. Two Northern Shrike (2) were spotted – they are always few.
Introduced Species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (21) numbers are slowly increasing in the whole region. European Starling (6) were below average by about half but I have seen them already checking out possible nesting sites in holes in buildings. House Sparrow were missed this year. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (88) were above average; numbers in the Kimberley count circle are generally increasing.
High Numbers
The same number of Dark-eyed Junco (51) were counted in Kimberley as in Cranbrook but Kimberley usually gets fewer so this is a high number for Kimberley. The fifty-two Common Goldeneye (52) were a high number for the Kimberley count and would be for the Cranbrook count as well; the average is 18 to 21.
Feeder Birds
Common – Year-round Species
Black-capped Chickadee (99) numbers were below average, the lowest of the past eight years. Also below average were Downy Woodpecker (16), Steller's Jay (6) and White-breasted Nuthatch (4), the latter have had sparse numbers the past 17 years.
Average numbers were seen for American Goldfinch (27), which has been on 8 of the last 9 counts, Hairy Woodpecker (14), Northern Flicker (29), Pileated Woodpecker (8), and Pygmy Nuthatch (6).
Above average numbers were seen for House Finch (123), which had good numbers last year, too. The past three years has seen above average numbers for Mountain Chickadee (144) and Red-breasted Nuthatch (92). Song Sparrow (11) numbers were only a bit above average.
High numbers were seen for Dark-eyed Junco (51), and Blue Jay (18) showed a new maximum.
Winter feeder birds
Red Crossbill (125) numbers were twice their average, a decent number here this year. Clark's Nutcracker (17) were low after two good years. The winter feeder species, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, and Common Redpoll were a no-show.
Numerous Species
Common Raven (91) numbers were low after two average years. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (88) were above average; they are generally increasing in the circle area, especially in the City. Mallard (3) numbers were average. Wild Turkey (50) numbers were average but they seem to be wintering in more areas in the City this year.
Below is the Kimberley #123 list:
|
Trend_Type |
Txn_Report |
Nr_Report |
|
|
1 |
average |
Mallard |
3 |
|
2 |
high |
Common
Goldeneye |
52 |
|
3 |
unusual |
Common
Merganser |
1 |
|
4 |
max |
Ruffed
Grouse |
6 |
|
5 |
average |
Wild
Turkey |
50 |
|
6 |
rare |
Sharp-shinned
Hawk |
1 |
|
7 |
average |
Bald
Eagle |
9 |
|
8 |
unusual |
Wilson's
Snipe |
1 |
|
9 |
>
avg |
Rock
Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) |
88 |
|
10 |
>
avg |
Eurasian
Collared-Dove |
21 |
|
cw |
Mourning
Dove |
|
|
|
11 |
<
avg |
Downy
Woodpecker |
16 |
|
12 |
average |
Hairy
Woodpecker |
14 |
|
13 |
average |
Northern
Flicker |
29 |
|
14 |
average |
Pileated
Woodpecker |
8 |
|
|
woodpecker
sp. |
1 |
|
|
15 |
average |
Northern
Shrike |
2 |
|
cw |
Canada
Jay |
|
|
|
16 |
<
avg |
Steller's
Jay |
6 |
|
17 |
max |
Blue Jay |
18 |
|
18 |
average |
Black-billed
Magpie |
11 |
|
19 |
low |
Clark's
Nutcracker |
17 |
|
20 |
low |
American
Crow |
19 |
|
21 |
<
avg |
Common
Raven |
91 |
|
22 |
<
avg |
Black-capped
Chickadee |
99 |
|
23 |
>
avg |
Mountain
Chickadee |
144 |
|
|
chickadee
sp. |
59 |
|
|
24 |
>
avg |
Red-breasted
Nuthatch |
92 |
|
25 |
<
avg |
White-breasted
Nuthatch |
4 |
|
26 |
average |
Pygmy
Nuthatch |
6 |
|
cw |
Brown
Creeper |
|
|
|
27 |
average |
American
Dipper |
2 |
|
28 |
average |
Golden-crowned
Kinglet |
2 |
|
29 |
average |
Townsend's
Solitaire |
10 |
|
30 |
<
avg |
American
Robin |
4 |
|
31 |
low |
European
Starling |
6 |
|
32 |
low |
Bohemian
Waxwing |
410 |
|
33 |
<
avg |
Snow
Bunting |
20 |
|
34 |
high |
Dark-eyed
Junco |
51 |
|
35 |
rare |
White-crowned
Sparrow |
2 |
|
36 |
>
avg |
Song
Sparrow |
11 |
|
37 |
low |
Red-winged
Blackbird |
8 |
|
38 |
>
avg |
House
Finch |
123 |
|
39 |
>
avg |
Red
Crossbill |
125 |
|
40 |
average |
American
Goldfinch |
27 |
|
Total
number of individuals |
1,669 |
|
Species nr |
Trend |
Species |
Nr |
|
1 |
rare |
American
Wigeon |
1 |
|
2 |
low |
Mallard |
154 |
|
3 |
low |
Common
Goldeneye |
13 |
|
4 |
rare |
Common
Merganser |
1 |
|
cw |
cw |
Ruffed
Grouse |
|
|
5 |
low |
Wild
Turkey |
6 |
|
cw |
cw |
Golden
Eagle |
|
|
6 |
average |
Bald
Eagle |
8 |
|
7 |
low |
Rock
Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) |
51 |
|
8 |
max |
Eurasian
Collared-Dove |
44 |
|
cw |
cw |
Mourning
Dove |
|
|
9 |
average |
Northern
Pygmy-Owl |
1 |
|
10 |
<
avg |
Downy
Woodpecker |
9 |
|
11 |
low |
Hairy
Woodpecker |
4 |
|
cw |
cw |
American
Three-toed Woodpecker |
|
|
12 |
>
avg |
Northern
Flicker |
31 |
|
13 |
average |
Pileated
Woodpecker |
8 |
|
woodpecker
sp. |
1 |
||
|
14 |
average |
Merlin |
3 |
|
15 |
low |
Canada
Jay |
2 |
|
16 |
low |
Steller's
Jay |
1 |
|
17 |
>
avg |
Blue Jay |
29 |
|
18 |
average |
Black-billed
Magpie |
3 |
|
19 |
low |
Clark's
Nutcracker |
3 |
|
20 |
>
avg |
American
Crow |
113 |
|
21 |
low |
Common
Raven |
148 |
|
22 |
low |
Black-capped
Chickadee |
75 |
|
23 |
average |
Mountain
Chickadee |
130 |
|
cw |
cw |
Chestnut-backed
Chickadee |
|
|
chickadee
sp. |
12 |
||
|
24 |
<
avg |
Red-breasted
Nuthatch |
41 |
|
25 |
average |
Brown
Creeper |
1 |
|
26 |
average |
American
Dipper |
7 |
|
cw |
cw |
Golden-crowned
Kinglet |
|
|
27 |
average |
Townsend's
Solitaire |
13 |
|
28 |
low |
European
Starling |
12 |
|
29 |
low |
Bohemian
Waxwing |
479 |
|
30 |
rare |
American
Tree Sparrow |
1 |
|
31 |
average |
Dark-eyed
Junco |
19 |
|
32 |
rare |
Harris's
Sparrow |
1 |
|
33 |
low |
Song
Sparrow |
9 |
|
34 |
unusual |
Red-winged
Blackbird |
1 |
|
35 |
low |
Evening
Grosbeak |
2 |
|
36 |
low |
Pine
Grosbeak |
2 |
|
37 |
low |
House
Finch |
87 |
|
38 |
unusual |
Cassin's
Finch |
7 |
|
39 |
>
avg |
Common
Redpoll |
163 |
|
40 |
average |
Red
Crossbill |
52 |
|
41 |
max |
White-winged
Crossbill |
45 |
|
42 |
average |
American
Goldfinch |
10 |
|
43 |
average |
House
Sparrow |
64 |
|
passerine
sp. |
25 |
||
|
Total
Individuals |
1892 |
||
|
Missed |
|||
|
Pine
Siskin |
|||
|
Northern
Shrike |
|||
|
Canada Goose |
|||
|
Sharp-shinned Hawk |
|||
|
Cooper's Hawk |
|||
|
Rough-legged Hawk |
|||
|
Belted Kingfisher |
|||
|
White-breasted
Nuthatch |
|||
|
Gray-crowned
Rosy-finch |
|||
|
Legend: |
|||
|
max |
new
maximum number |
||
|
+ avg |
a bit
above average |
||
|
avg |
close to
the average |
||
|
- avg |
a bit
below average |
||
|
low |
significantly
below average |
||
|
rare |
rare |
||
|
species |
reported
by only one team |
||
|
cw |
reported
in count week only |
Cranbrook CBC Results - December 2021
#122 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#24 Cranbrook
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 26 Dec 2021
Count week: 23 Dec 2021 - 29 Dec 2021
Species total: 43 - Plus an additional five species during count week
Total number of individual birds: 1,892
The Cranbrook circle goes between St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay on Moyie Lake and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. The Trans-Canada Trail to Rampart Rest Area is also included.
The weather was a significant factor for this year's Cranbrook count. The previous two days' accumulation of snow affected driving conditions so several out-of-town participants from Fernie, Kimberley and Skookumchuck couldn't make it in and the going was slow on unplowed non-essential side streets and alleys for field counters throughout the day. This resulted in some areas not getting visited. It was snowing heavily and foggy in the morning; the afternoon was only slightly better with only a few snow flurries. Fortunately, the wind was very light but it was cold all day with the temperature never getting above -14°. Both still and flowing waters were partially open.
People going out into the field, driving or walking, numbered 12 birders and friends and we walked 11 km and drove 247 km. Thirteen feeder watchers contributed feeder counts but saw fewer birds than normal. The snowstorm likely kept the feeder birds huddled under bushes which made spotting anything while driving quite difficult.
The total number of birds counted was 1,892 which is the seventh lowest number in the 24 years of the Cranbrook count. Nevertheless, the 43 species recorded on count day was average, surprisingly.
Summary
A new maximum number was recorded for Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) - they are steadily increasing here after arriving in the area around 2011. White-winged Crossbill (45) also had record numbers. Pine Siskin was missed for the first time in 8 years as was Northern Shrike. Almost all feeder species were average or below average except for Blue Jay (29) which were double their average. Rare for the count were an American Tree Sparrow, a Harris's Sparrow, an American Wigeon and a Red-winged Blackbird.
Teamwork
The Christmas Bird Count is a brilliant example "community science". Frequently, one field team or a feeder watcher are the only ones to see a species. The South Cranbrook team saw not one but 3 Merlin and two Pine Grosbeak. The Jimsmith-Moyie team saw the only Common Merganser, the only Northern Pygmy-Owl, and the only Brown Creeper. The New Lake team found a dozen European Starling and two Evening Grosbeaks. The Mission-North Cranbrook team found an American Wigeon at the sewage lagoons and surprisingly the only Wild Turkey (6). One feeder near Elizabeth Lake hit the jackpot with 3 unique birds: a Red-winged Blackbird, an American Tree Sparrow, and a rare Harris's Sparrow; and another feeder in Spruceland was visited by the only Steller's Jay seen.
Numerous species
Bohemian Waxwing (479) reclaimed its spot as most numerous species, taking it back from the Mallards of last year; but both Waxwing and Mallard (154) numbers were still half of average.
Of our other numerous species only American Crow (113) numbers were average while Rock Pigeon (51) and Common Raven (148) were well below average.
New Maximum numbers
Record high counts were recorded for 2 species this year - Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) and White-winged Crossbill. The Collared-Dove has spread rapidly since its introduction to the Bahamas in the 1970s and it now flourishes from Florida to Alaska. The White-winged is one of those "irruptive" species, like Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll, which sometimes move southward if the seed crop of coniferous cones fails in their more northern winter range. This is only the sixth time they've been recorded on count day.
Notable misses
Pine Siskin, a winter staple at feeders, was missed for the first time in 8 years. Belted Kingfisher, American Three-toed Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Gray-crowned Rosy-finch were also missed. Northern Shrike was missed again for the second year in a row but has been on 17 of our 24 counts. Rough-legged Hawk was also missed - it is more common on the Kimberley CBC.
Last year, Common Redpoll was missed but this year we saw 163 (slightly above average). They seemed scarce at feeders until now; perhaps the snowstorm finally brought them in and it was a joy to see small flocks wheeling about between snowflakes searching for welcoming places to settle.
Count week
During count week, 3 days either side of count day, birders and feeder watchers saw Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Green Bay), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruffed Grouse, Mourning Dove (Standard Hill), American Three-toed Woodpecker (Cranbrook Community Forest), and Golden Eagle. These species are not common anytime.
No new species were recorded for the count this year.
Rare appearances were made by American Tree Sparrow (1), Harris's Sparrow (1), and Red-winged Blackbird (1) all at a feeder near Elizabeth Lake.
Uncommon species, winter or year-round
Year-round: Of the species that are less common on the Christmas Bird Count, some are here all year long but have small populations. The South Cranbrook (south city, Gold Creek, and Hidden Valley) team saw our only Merlin (3) but missed the Townsend's Solitaire (13) seen by all the other teams. Also seen were Black-billed Magpie (3), a Brown Creeper, and seven American Dipper.
Summer birds: A few common summer birds brave out winter here: Common Goldeneye (13) and Common Merganser (1), as well as the one American Wigeon and one Red-winged Blackbird stayed behind.
Colder climes: Winter visitors from further north and species that prefer higher elevations in the summer sometimes over-winter around town. This year we managed to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl and 45 White-winged Crossbills. Missed again for the second year in a row was Norther Shrike which we've seen on 17 of our 24 counts.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) numbers were a new maximum. Rock Pigeon (51) and European Starling (12) were both low in number possibly because the snowy roads prevented us from surveying their usual urban spots. House Sparrow (65) continues on every count - they're the ones that get into Superstore and Walmart all the time - check the pet food section.
High numbers
No species had especially high numbers this year other than the Eurasian Collared-Doves (44). Only Blue Jay (29) had double their average numbers - they are very hardy and don't seem to mind the snow as much as the other feeder birds.
Feeder Birds
Of the winter feeder birds Clark's Nutcracker (3) number were low; they have been missed only once previously. Evening Grosbeak (2) had very low numbers but have still been seen on 18 of 24 counts. Pine Grosbeak (2) were also very low. Cassin's Finch (7) are on about half our counts; they prefer less urban settings than their House cousins. Common Redpoll (163) were late in arriving to feeders this year but had decent numbers. Red Crossbill (52) are on most counts and also had decent numbers this year. White-winged Crossbill (45) are unusual to get bur were seen in record numbers this year.
Many of our regular feeder birds did not show at feeders in their usual numbers on count day and feeder watchers have noticed birds are scarcer so far this winter. Numbers were low for Downy Woodpecker (9) - the lowest number since 2010, Hairy Woodpecker (4) - the lowest number since 2006, Canada Jay (2), Steller's Jay (1), Black-capped Chickadee (75) which continues on every count but was half of average this year, Red-breasted Nuthatch (41), Song Sparrow (9), and House Finch (87) - a third of usual.
The species that had average to above average numbers were Pileated Woodpecker (8), Mountain Chickadee (130), Dark-eyed Junco (19) which are missed sometimes but have been on the last 11 counts, and American Goldfinch (10) which is the fifth year in a row for them. Northern Flicker (31) were a bit above average in number and Blue Jay (29), which are sometimes missed, had double their average number.
The only other species to mention is Bald Eagle (8) which continues on every count and was of average number.
Previous CBC Results
Updated 2023-01-13
Kimberley CBC Results
#122 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#24 Kimberley
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 02 Jan 2022
Count week: 30 Dec 2021 - 05 Jan 2022
Species total: 43 - plus an additional five species during count week
Total number of individual birds: 2,270
The Kimberley circle goes from Moan Road southward to the Saint Mary's River and from the base of the Kimberley Ski Hill eastward to Bummer's Flats. The center of the 24 km circle is near Mildred White's old residence near the junction of Hwy 95A and LD Ranch Road.
The weather was chilly with a bit of a wind at lower elevations. It was partly clear in the morning but became overcast and snowing lightly by noon which continued throughout the afternoon. Still water was frozen and moving water was partly open. There were 9 parties of 21 people in the field cross-country skiing or driving and walking. People came from Kimberley, Cranbrook and Fairmont. Six feeders were reported by an additional seven feeder watchers.
The total number of birds counted was 2, 270 individuals of 43 species. An additional 5 species were recorded during count week.
Summary
For the first time ever, Red Crossbill (322) was our most numerous species, demoting the usual Bohemian Waxwing (304) to second place. Notable misses were Pygmy Nuthatch, European Starling, and Pine Siskin. Rare birds seen were a Horned Lark in with the Snow Buntings at Pine Butte Ranch, a Harris's Sparrow at a feeder on the ski hill, and a lone Canada Goose braving out winter on Cameron Pond. I think we can say the Rock Pigeon and Wild Turkey flocks are getting bigger. Most of the familiar regular feeder birds like the Chickadees, Nuthatches, Jays and Woodpeckers had good numbers in Kimberley.
Teamwork
Twelve species were seen by only one team or party. The Area #1 team - Kimberley and Marysville contributed 3 unique species: Mallard (3), Evening Grosbeak (26), and a Harris's Sparrow from a feeder watcher. The Area #2 team - Meadowbrook and Lost Dog got our only Canada Jay (4) and the cross-country skiers got two American Three-toed Woodpeckers. The Area #3 team - Wasa, Ta Ta Creek saw our only Canada Goose and five Bald Eagles. The Area #4 team - Wycliffe are the only ones that saw Common Goldeneye (12), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Belted Kingfisher (1), Snow Bunting (20), and Horned Lark (1).
Numerous species and new record numbers
For the first time ever, Red Crossbill (322) was our most numerous species. The Cranbrook number of Red Crossbills was average for that circle but the Kimberley circle had 5 times more Red Crossbill than average and this new maximum is 3 times higher than their previous record of 237 from January of 2019. All field teams reported them. While surveying Mission Wasa Upper Road (St Eugene Mission to LD Ranch Rd, Kootenay Reserve #1) I came across three mixed flocks of Crossbills, Clark's Nutcrackers, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Chickadees all feasting on pine seeds so frantically the excess seeds were raining down in a shower of little brown whirligigs. The birds were lucky to find a good seed crop somewhere considering how dry it was this past summer.
Bohemian Waxing (304) is usually number 1 for number of individuals but was number 2 this year. It has only been displaced from top spot four times in the 24 years of the count: three times by Common Redpoll, and once by Pine Siskin. But their numbers were about a third of average. A single bird has parked itself at a feeder out on LD Ranch Road, which is very unusual.
The Rock Pigeon (152) population in Kimberley is growing. Last year there was a record high number of them (115) and now there are even more!
American Crow (31) and Common Raven (156) numbers were average.
Other new or tied records
We found high numbers of both Downy Woodpecker (38) and Hairy Woodpecker (30). That was comforting to see because their numbers were low in Cranbrook last week - no doubt affect by the adverse weather conditions. Downy tied with their record from December 2017 and Hairy had one more than the previous record from January of 2011. The 14 Blue Jays counted tied for their record from December 2000 and the 18 Steller's Jay tied with their record from 2007. The new American Goldfinch (41) record is only two more than the previous record from two years ago but we'll take it. They have been much more consistently seen in winter the past eight years, such a subtly yet beautifully coloured bird in the winter.
Notable misses
Pygmy Nuthatch was missed for the first time in 5 years - the go-to feeder watcher for them has moved. Both Northern Shrike and Pine Siskin were missed for the Cranbrook AND Kimberley counts, the latter for the first time in 8 years. European Starling was missed for the first time in 5 years and American Robin for the first time in 4 years. It is always nice to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl but none were seen count day or week.
Count week
Species seen in count week but not on count day were Merlin and Varied Thrush in Swan Sub, Ruffed Grouse and Cassin's Finch in Lower Blarchmont and Cooper's Hawk in Purcell Sub.
No new species were found this year on the Kimberley count.
Rare species
Single birds of Horned Lark, Harris's Sparrow, and Canada Goose were seen. The Lark was with the flock of Snow Buntings (20) at Pine Butte Ranch, the Harris's was at a feeder on the ski hill, and the Goose was on Cameron's Pond at the north end of Wasa Sloughs. It is only the second time a Horned Lark has been seen on either the Cranbrook or Kimberley counts.
Uncommon species
Winter visitors: The Snow Buntings (20) have been wintering in their usual place since late autumn so it was nice they showed on count day. American Tree Sparrow (7) were found in a couple of places this year - separated by many kilometers.
Year-round residents: A Belted Kingfisher was spotted on a little iceberg in the middle of the Saint Mary's River watching the diving Common Goldeneye (12). A couple of American Dipper were spotted; they have been missed only once in 24 years. Two American Three-toed Woodpecker showed for the cross-country skiers near McGinty Lake. Black-billed Magpie (16) move lower down in the valley for winter usually and this was an average number of them. Brown Creeper (2) has been seen on 17 of our 24 counts. Townsend's Solitaire (13) was a bit above average.
Summer birds: Mallard (3) numbers were low compared to the previous 3 counts and were low in Cranbrook as well. The dozen Common Goldeneye seen is an average number. This is the fourth count in a row for Red-tailed Hawk (2). A couple of flocks of Red-wined Blackbird (36) have again stuck around this winter.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (8) spotted was much lower than the 50 birds two years ago. House Sparrow (44) numbers were a bit above average.
High numbers
Double the average of Wild Turkey (91) were seen, most (80) in Chapman Camp. When the field counter arrived in Camp just before 9:00 am on Sunday, the Turkeys were still in bed! They roost as high as 30 meters up in three or four tall conifers, which makes separating all the dark blobs huddled together quite a challenge. Later in the day, they spread out in Camp and along Rotary Drive and barely move for vehicles. There are a couple of leucistic (partial albino) birds in this groups and it seems every wild flock in the area has a few white ones.
Well above average numbers were spotted for Northern Flicker (41), Pileated Woodpecker (15), and Red-breasted Nuthatch (109). The cross-country ski team saw quite a few Red-breasted (23) on their 13 km ski through the countryside; it is good to know birds aren't only in town at feeders but are out there in the forests foraging for native seeds.
More Feeder Birds
Winter feeder birds: Of the feeder birds seen only or more often in the winter Pine Grosbeak (8) and Common Redpoll (73) numbers were low but Clark's Nutcracker (46) and Evening Grossbeak (26) numbers were only just below average.
Regular feeder birds: Of the more familiar feeder birds, below average numbers were seen for Dark-eyed Junco (13) whose numbers are quite variable but have been on 17 of our 24 counts, and House Finch (139) whose numbers were almost double their average. Average or above average numbers were found of Canada Jay (4), Black-capped Chickadee (150), Mountain Chickadee (188), White-breasted Nuthatch (5) and Song Sparrow (12) showing that the low numbers of these for the Cranbrook count was likely caused by the snowstorm on Cranbrook's count day.
The only other species to mention is Bald Eagle (5) of which below average numbers were counted but it continues to be seen on every count day.
Below is the Kimberley #122 list.
Kimberley CBC Results
#122 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#24 Kimberley
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 02 Jan 2022
Count week: 30 Dec 2021 - 05 Jan 2022
Species total: 43 - plus an additional five species during count week
Total number of individual birds: 2,270
The Kimberley circle goes from Moan Road southward to the Saint Mary's River and from the base of the Kimberley Ski Hill eastward to Bummer's Flats. The center of the 24 km circle is near Mildred White's old residence near the junction of Hwy 95A and LD Ranch Road.
The weather was chilly with a bit of a wind at lower elevations. It was partly clear in the morning but became overcast and snowing lightly by noon which continued throughout the afternoon. Still water was frozen and moving water was partly open. There were 9 parties of 21 people in the field cross-country skiing or driving and walking. People came from Kimberley, Cranbrook and Fairmont. Six feeders were reported by an additional seven feeder watchers.
The total number of birds counted was 2, 270 individuals of 43 species. An additional 5 species were recorded during count week.
Summary
For the first time ever, Red Crossbill (322) was our most numerous species, demoting the usual Bohemian Waxwing (304) to second place. Notable misses were Pygmy Nuthatch, European Starling, and Pine Siskin. Rare birds seen were a Horned Lark in with the Snow Buntings at Pine Butte Ranch, a Harris's Sparrow at a feeder on the ski hill, and a lone Canada Goose braving out winter on Cameron Pond. I think we can say the Rock Pigeon and Wild Turkey flocks are getting bigger. Most of the familiar regular feeder birds like the Chickadees, Nuthatches, Jays and Woodpeckers had good numbers in Kimberley.
Teamwork
Twelve species were seen by only one team or party. The Area #1 team - Kimberley and Marysville contributed 3 unique species: Mallard (3), Evening Grosbeak (26), and a Harris's Sparrow from a feeder watcher. The Area #2 team - Meadowbrook and Lost Dog got our only Canada Jay (4) and the cross-country skiers got two American Three-toed Woodpeckers. The Area #3 team - Wasa, Ta Ta Creek saw our only Canada Goose and five Bald Eagles. The Area #4 team - Wycliffe are the only ones that saw Common Goldeneye (12), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Belted Kingfisher (1), Snow Bunting (20), and Horned Lark (1).
Numerous species and new record numbers
For the first time ever, Red Crossbill (322) was our most numerous species. The Cranbrook number of Red Crossbills was average for that circle but the Kimberley circle had 5 times more Red Crossbill than average and this new maximum is 3 times higher than their previous record of 237 from January of 2019. All field teams reported them. While surveying Mission Wasa Upper Road (St Eugene Mission to LD Ranch Rd, Kootenay Reserve #1) I came across three mixed flocks of Crossbills, Clark's Nutcrackers, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Chickadees all feasting on pine seeds so frantically the excess seeds were raining down in a shower of little brown whirligigs. The birds were lucky to find a good seed crop somewhere considering how dry it was this past summer.
Bohemian Waxing (304) is usually number 1 for number of individuals but was number 2 this year. It has only been displaced from top spot four times in the 24 years of the count: three times by Common Redpoll, and once by Pine Siskin. But their numbers were about a third of average. A single bird has parked itself at a feeder out on LD Ranch Road, which is very unusual.
The Rock Pigeon (152) population in Kimberley is growing. Last year there was a record high number of them (115) and now there are even more!
American Crow (31) and Common Raven (156) numbers were average.
Other new or tied records
We found high numbers of both Downy Woodpecker (38) and Hairy Woodpecker (30). That was comforting to see because their numbers were low in Cranbrook last week - no doubt affect by the adverse weather conditions. Downy tied with their record from December 2017 and Hairy had one more than the previous record from January of 2011. The 14 Blue Jays counted tied for their record from December 2000 and the 18 Steller's Jay tied with their record from 2007. The new American Goldfinch (41) record is only two more than the previous record from two years ago but we'll take it. They have been much more consistently seen in winter the past eight years, such a subtly yet beautifully coloured bird in the winter.
Notable misses
Pygmy Nuthatch was missed for the first time in 5 years - the go-to feeder watcher for them has moved. Both Northern Shrike and Pine Siskin were missed for the Cranbrook AND Kimberley counts, the latter for the first time in 8 years. European Starling was missed for the first time in 5 years and American Robin for the first time in 4 years. It is always nice to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl but none were seen count day or week.
Count week
Species seen in count week but not on count day were Merlin and Varied Thrush in Swan Sub, Ruffed Grouse and Cassin's Finch in Lower Blarchmont and Cooper's Hawk in Purcell Sub.
No new species were found this year on the Kimberley count.
Rare species
Single birds of Horned Lark, Harris's Sparrow, and Canada Goose were seen. The Lark was with the flock of Snow Buntings (20) at Pine Butte Ranch, the Harris's was at a feeder on the ski hill, and the Goose was on Cameron's Pond at the north end of Wasa Sloughs. It is only the second time a Horned Lark has been seen on either the Cranbrook or Kimberley counts.
Uncommon species
Winter visitors: The Snow Buntings (20) have been wintering in their usual place since late autumn so it was nice they showed on count day. American Tree Sparrow (7) were found in a couple of places this year - separated by many kilometers.
Year-round residents: A Belted Kingfisher was spotted on a little iceberg in the middle of the Saint Mary's River watching the diving Common Goldeneye (12). A couple of American Dipper were spotted; they have been missed only once in 24 years. Two American Three-toed Woodpecker showed for the cross-country skiers near McGinty Lake. Black-billed Magpie (16) move lower down in the valley for winter usually and this was an average number of them. Brown Creeper (2) has been seen on 17 of our 24 counts. Townsend's Solitaire (13) was a bit above average.
Summer birds: Mallard (3) numbers were low compared to the previous 3 counts and were low in Cranbrook as well. The dozen Common Goldeneye seen is an average number. This is the fourth count in a row for Red-tailed Hawk (2). A couple of flocks of Red-wined Blackbird (36) have again stuck around this winter.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (8) spotted was much lower than the 50 birds two years ago. House Sparrow (44) numbers were a bit above average.
High numbers
Double the average of Wild Turkey (91) were seen, most (80) in Chapman Camp. When the field counter arrived in Camp just before 9:00 am on Sunday, the Turkeys were still in bed! They roost as high as 30 meters up in three or four tall conifers, which makes separating all the dark blobs huddled together quite a challenge. Later in the day, they spread out in Camp and along Rotary Drive and barely move for vehicles. There are a couple of leucistic (partial albino) birds in this groups and it seems every wild flock in the area has a few white ones.
Well above average numbers were spotted for Northern Flicker (41), Pileated Woodpecker (15), and Red-breasted Nuthatch (109). The cross-country ski team saw quite a few Red-breasted (23) on their 13 km ski through the countryside; it is good to know birds aren't only in town at feeders but are out there in the forests foraging for native seeds.
More Feeder Birds
Winter feeder birds: Of the feeder birds seen only or more often in the winter Pine Grosbeak (8) and Common Redpoll (73) numbers were low but Clark's Nutcracker (46) and Evening Grossbeak (26) numbers were only just below average.
Regular feeder birds: Of the more familiar feeder birds, below average numbers were seen for Dark-eyed Junco (13) whose numbers are quite variable but have been on 17 of our 24 counts, and House Finch (139) whose numbers were almost double their average. Average or above average numbers were found of Canada Jay (4), Black-capped Chickadee (150), Mountain Chickadee (188), White-breasted Nuthatch (5) and Song Sparrow (12) showing that the low numbers of these for the Cranbrook count was likely caused by the snowstorm on Cranbrook's count day.
The only other species to mention is Bald Eagle (5) of which below average numbers were counted but it continues to be seen on every count day.
Below is the Kimberley #122 list.
|
Sp_Nr |
Trend |
Species |
Nr of Indiv |
|
1 |
rare |
Canada Goose |
1 |
|
2 |
low |
Mallard |
3 |
|
3 |
average |
Common Goldeneye |
12 |
|
4 |
high |
Wild Turkey |
91 |
|
5 |
< avg |
Bald Eagle |
5 |
|
6 |
average |
Red-tailed Hawk |
2 |
|
7 |
max |
Rock Pigeon (Feral
Pigeon) |
152 |
|
8 |
low |
Eurasian Collared-Dove |
8 |
|
9 |
average |
Belted Kingfisher |
1 |
|
10 |
max |
Downy Woodpecker |
38 |
|
11 |
max |
Hairy Woodpecker |
30 |
|
12 |
high |
Northern Flicker |
41 |
|
13 |
average |
American Three-toed Woodpecker |
2 |
|
14 |
high |
Pileated Woodpecker |
15 |
|
15 |
average |
Canada Jay |
4 |
|
16 |
high |
Steller's Jay |
18 |
|
17 |
max |
Blue Jay |
14 |
|
18 |
average |
Black-billed Magpie |
16 |
|
19 |
< avg |
Clark's Nutcracker |
46 |
|
20 |
average |
American Crow |
31 |
|
21 |
average |
Common Raven |
156 |
|
22 |
average |
Black-capped
Chickadee |
150 |
|
23 |
> avg |
Mountain Chickadee |
188 |
|
24 |
high |
Red-breasted
Nuthatch |
109 |
|
25 |
average |
White-breasted
Nuthatch |
5 |
|
26 |
average |
Brown Creeper |
2 |
|
27 |
< avg |
American Dipper |
2 |
|
28 |
> avg |
Townsend's Solitaire |
13 |
|
29 |
low |
Bohemian Waxwing |
304 |
|
30 |
< avg |
Snow Bunting |
20 |
|
31 |
average |
American Tree
Sparrow |
7 |
|
32 |
< avg |
Dark-eyed Junco |
13 |
|
33 |
> avg |
Song Sparrow |
12 |
|
34 |
> avg |
Red-winged Blackbird |
36 |
|
35 |
low |
Pine Grosbeak |
8 |
|
36 |
< avg |
House Finch |
139 |
|
37 |
max |
Red Crossbill |
322 |
|
38 |
low |
Common Redpoll |
73 |
|
39 |
max |
American Goldfinch |
41 |
|
40 |
< avg |
Evening Grosbeak |
26 |
|
41 |
> avg |
House Sparrow |
44 |
|
42 |
rare |
Horned Lark |
1 |
|
43 |
rare |
Harris's Sparrow |
1 |
|
2270 |
|||
|
Downy/Hairy
Woodpecker |
1 |
||
|
woodpecker sp. |
1 |
||
|
chickadee sp. |
61 |
||
|
passerine sp. |
5 |
||
|
Count
Week: |
|||
|
Cooper's Hawk |
|||
|
Merlin |
|||
|
Ruffed Grouse |
|||
|
Cassin's Finch |
|||
|
Varied Thrush |
|||
Cranbrook CBC Results - December 2021
#122 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#24 Cranbrook
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 26 Dec 2021
Count week: 23 Dec 2021 - 29 Dec 2021
Species total: 43 - Plus an additional five species during count week
Total number of individual birds: 1,892
The Cranbrook circle goes between St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay on Moyie Lake and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. The Trans-Canada Trail to Rampart Rest Area is also included.
The weather was a significant factor for this year's Cranbrook count. The previous two days' accumulation of snow affected driving conditions so several out-of-town participants from Fernie, Kimberley and Skookumchuck couldn't make it in and the going was slow on unplowed non-essential side streets and alleys for field counters throughout the day. This resulted in some areas not getting visited. It was snowing heavily and foggy in the morning; the afternoon was only slightly better with only a few snow flurries. Fortunately, the wind was very light but it was cold all day with the temperature never getting above -14°. Both still and flowing waters were partially open.
People going out into the field, driving or walking, numbered 12 birders and friends and we walked 11 km and drove 247 km. Thirteen feeder watchers contributed feeder counts but saw fewer birds than normal. The snowstorm likely kept the feeder birds huddled under bushes which made spotting anything while driving quite difficult.
The total number of birds counted was 1,892 which is the seventh lowest number in the 24 years of the Cranbrook count. Nevertheless, the 43 species recorded on count day was average, surprisingly.
Summary
A new maximum number was recorded for Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) - they are steadily increasing here after arriving in the area around 2011. White-winged Crossbill (45) also had record numbers. Pine Siskin was missed for the first time in 8 years as was Northern Shrike. Almost all feeder species were average or below average except for Blue Jay (29) which were double their average. Rare for the count were an American Tree Sparrow, a Harris's Sparrow, an American Wigeon and a Red-winged Blackbird.
Teamwork
The Christmas Bird Count is a brilliant example "community science". Frequently, one field team or a feeder watcher are the only ones to see a species. The South Cranbrook team saw not one but 3 Merlin and two Pine Grosbeak. The Jimsmith-Moyie team saw the only Common Merganser, the only Northern Pygmy-Owl, and the only Brown Creeper. The New Lake team found a dozen European Starling and two Evening Grosbeaks. The Mission-North Cranbrook team found an American Wigeon at the sewage lagoons and surprisingly the only Wild Turkey (6). One feeder near Elizabeth Lake hit the jackpot with 3 unique birds: a Red-winged Blackbird, an American Tree Sparrow, and a rare Harris's Sparrow; and another feeder in Spruceland was visited by the only Steller's Jay seen.
Numerous species
Bohemian Waxwing (479) reclaimed its spot as most numerous species, taking it back from the Mallards of last year; but both Waxwing and Mallard (154) numbers were still half of average.
Of our other numerous species only American Crow (113) numbers were average while Rock Pigeon (51) and Common Raven (148) were well below average.
New Maximum numbers
Record high counts were recorded for 2 species this year - Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) and White-winged Crossbill. The Collared-Dove has spread rapidly since its introduction to the Bahamas in the 1970s and it now flourishes from Florida to Alaska. The White-winged is one of those "irruptive" species, like Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll, which sometimes move southward if the seed crop of coniferous cones fails in their more northern winter range. This is only the sixth time they've been recorded on count day.
Notable misses
Pine Siskin, a winter staple at feeders, was missed for the first time in 8 years. Belted Kingfisher, American Three-toed Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Gray-crowned Rosy-finch were also missed. Northern Shrike was missed again for the second year in a row but has been on 17 of our 24 counts. Rough-legged Hawk was also missed - it is more common on the Kimberley CBC.
Last year, Common Redpoll was missed but this year we saw 163 (slightly above average). They seemed scarce at feeders until now; perhaps the snowstorm finally brought them in and it was a joy to see small flocks wheeling about between snowflakes searching for welcoming places to settle.
Count week
During count week, 3 days either side of count day, birders and feeder watchers saw Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Green Bay), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruffed Grouse, Mourning Dove (Standard Hill), American Three-toed Woodpecker (Cranbrook Community Forest), and Golden Eagle. These species are not common anytime.
No new species were recorded for the count this year.
Rare appearances were made by American Tree Sparrow (1), Harris's Sparrow (1), and Red-winged Blackbird (1) all at a feeder near Elizabeth Lake.
Uncommon species, winter or year-round
Year-round: Of the species that are less common on the Christmas Bird Count, some are here all year long but have small populations. The South Cranbrook (south city, Gold Creek, and Hidden Valley) team saw our only Merlin (3) but missed the Townsend's Solitaire (13) seen by all the other teams. Also seen were Black-billed Magpie (3), a Brown Creeper, and seven American Dipper.
Summer birds: A few common summer birds brave out winter here: Common Goldeneye (13) and Common Merganser (1), as well as the one American Wigeon and one Red-winged Blackbird stayed behind.
Colder climes: Winter visitors from further north and species that prefer higher elevations in the summer sometimes over-winter around town. This year we managed to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl and 45 White-winged Crossbills. Missed again for the second year in a row was Norther Shrike which we've seen on 17 of our 24 counts.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) numbers were a new maximum. Rock Pigeon (51) and European Starling (12) were both low in number possibly because the snowy roads prevented us from surveying their usual urban spots. House Sparrow (65) continues on every count - they're the ones that get into Superstore and Walmart all the time - check the pet food section.
High numbers
No species had especially high numbers this year other than the Eurasian Collared-Doves (44). Only Blue Jay (29) had double their average numbers - they are very hardy and don't seem to mind the snow as much as the other feeder birds.
Feeder Birds
Of the winter feeder birds Clark's Nutcracker (3) number were low; they have been missed only once previously. Evening Grosbeak (2) had very low numbers but have still been seen on 18 of 24 counts. Pine Grosbeak (2) were also very low. Cassin's Finch (7) are on about half our counts; they prefer less urban settings than their House cousins. Common Redpoll (163) were late in arriving to feeders this year but had decent numbers. Red Crossbill (52) are on most counts and also had decent numbers this year. White-winged Crossbill (45) are unusual to get bur were seen in record numbers this year.
Many of our regular feeder birds did not show at feeders in their usual numbers on count day and feeder watchers have noticed birds are scarcer so far this winter. Numbers were low for Downy Woodpecker (9) - the lowest number since 2010, Hairy Woodpecker (4) - the lowest number since 2006, Canada Jay (2), Steller's Jay (1), Black-capped Chickadee (75) which continues on every count but was half of average this year, Red-breasted Nuthatch (41), Song Sparrow (9), and House Finch (87) - a third of usual.
The species that had average to above average numbers were Pileated Woodpecker (8), Mountain Chickadee (130), Dark-eyed Junco (19) which are missed sometimes but have been on the last 11 counts, and American Goldfinch (10) which is the fifth year in a row for them. Northern Flicker (31) were a bit above average in number and Blue Jay (29), which are sometimes missed, had double their average number.
The only other species to mention is Bald Eagle (8) which continues on every count and was of average number.
Below are the Cranbrook #122 results
#122 - National Audubon Society, Birds Canada Count
#24 Cranbrook
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 26 Dec 2021
Count week: 23 Dec 2021 - 29 Dec 2021
Species total: 43 - Plus an additional five species during count week
Total number of individual birds: 1,892
The Cranbrook circle goes between St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay on Moyie Lake and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. The Trans-Canada Trail to Rampart Rest Area is also included.
The weather was a significant factor for this year's Cranbrook count. The previous two days' accumulation of snow affected driving conditions so several out-of-town participants from Fernie, Kimberley and Skookumchuck couldn't make it in and the going was slow on unplowed non-essential side streets and alleys for field counters throughout the day. This resulted in some areas not getting visited. It was snowing heavily and foggy in the morning; the afternoon was only slightly better with only a few snow flurries. Fortunately, the wind was very light but it was cold all day with the temperature never getting above -14°. Both still and flowing waters were partially open.
People going out into the field, driving or walking, numbered 12 birders and friends and we walked 11 km and drove 247 km. Thirteen feeder watchers contributed feeder counts but saw fewer birds than normal. The snowstorm likely kept the feeder birds huddled under bushes which made spotting anything while driving quite difficult.
The total number of birds counted was 1,892 which is the seventh lowest number in the 24 years of the Cranbrook count. Nevertheless, the 43 species recorded on count day was average, surprisingly.
Summary
A new maximum number was recorded for Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) - they are steadily increasing here after arriving in the area around 2011. White-winged Crossbill (45) also had record numbers. Pine Siskin was missed for the first time in 8 years as was Northern Shrike. Almost all feeder species were average or below average except for Blue Jay (29) which were double their average. Rare for the count were an American Tree Sparrow, a Harris's Sparrow, an American Wigeon and a Red-winged Blackbird.
Teamwork
The Christmas Bird Count is a brilliant example "community science". Frequently, one field team or a feeder watcher are the only ones to see a species. The South Cranbrook team saw not one but 3 Merlin and two Pine Grosbeak. The Jimsmith-Moyie team saw the only Common Merganser, the only Northern Pygmy-Owl, and the only Brown Creeper. The New Lake team found a dozen European Starling and two Evening Grosbeaks. The Mission-North Cranbrook team found an American Wigeon at the sewage lagoons and surprisingly the only Wild Turkey (6). One feeder near Elizabeth Lake hit the jackpot with 3 unique birds: a Red-winged Blackbird, an American Tree Sparrow, and a rare Harris's Sparrow; and another feeder in Spruceland was visited by the only Steller's Jay seen.
Numerous species
Bohemian Waxwing (479) reclaimed its spot as most numerous species, taking it back from the Mallards of last year; but both Waxwing and Mallard (154) numbers were still half of average.
Of our other numerous species only American Crow (113) numbers were average while Rock Pigeon (51) and Common Raven (148) were well below average.
New Maximum numbers
Record high counts were recorded for 2 species this year - Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) and White-winged Crossbill. The Collared-Dove has spread rapidly since its introduction to the Bahamas in the 1970s and it now flourishes from Florida to Alaska. The White-winged is one of those "irruptive" species, like Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll, which sometimes move southward if the seed crop of coniferous cones fails in their more northern winter range. This is only the sixth time they've been recorded on count day.
Notable misses
Pine Siskin, a winter staple at feeders, was missed for the first time in 8 years. Belted Kingfisher, American Three-toed Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Gray-crowned Rosy-finch were also missed. Northern Shrike was missed again for the second year in a row but has been on 17 of our 24 counts. Rough-legged Hawk was also missed - it is more common on the Kimberley CBC.
Last year, Common Redpoll was missed but this year we saw 163 (slightly above average). They seemed scarce at feeders until now; perhaps the snowstorm finally brought them in and it was a joy to see small flocks wheeling about between snowflakes searching for welcoming places to settle.
Count week
During count week, 3 days either side of count day, birders and feeder watchers saw Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Green Bay), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruffed Grouse, Mourning Dove (Standard Hill), American Three-toed Woodpecker (Cranbrook Community Forest), and Golden Eagle. These species are not common anytime.
No new species were recorded for the count this year.
Rare appearances were made by American Tree Sparrow (1), Harris's Sparrow (1), and Red-winged Blackbird (1) all at a feeder near Elizabeth Lake.
Uncommon species, winter or year-round
Year-round: Of the species that are less common on the Christmas Bird Count, some are here all year long but have small populations. The South Cranbrook (south city, Gold Creek, and Hidden Valley) team saw our only Merlin (3) but missed the Townsend's Solitaire (13) seen by all the other teams. Also seen were Black-billed Magpie (3), a Brown Creeper, and seven American Dipper.
Summer birds: A few common summer birds brave out winter here: Common Goldeneye (13) and Common Merganser (1), as well as the one American Wigeon and one Red-winged Blackbird stayed behind.
Colder climes: Winter visitors from further north and species that prefer higher elevations in the summer sometimes over-winter around town. This year we managed to see a Northern Pygmy-Owl and 45 White-winged Crossbills. Missed again for the second year in a row was Norther Shrike which we've seen on 17 of our 24 counts.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (44) numbers were a new maximum. Rock Pigeon (51) and European Starling (12) were both low in number possibly because the snowy roads prevented us from surveying their usual urban spots. House Sparrow (65) continues on every count - they're the ones that get into Superstore and Walmart all the time - check the pet food section.
High numbers
No species had especially high numbers this year other than the Eurasian Collared-Doves (44). Only Blue Jay (29) had double their average numbers - they are very hardy and don't seem to mind the snow as much as the other feeder birds.
Feeder Birds
Of the winter feeder birds Clark's Nutcracker (3) number were low; they have been missed only once previously. Evening Grosbeak (2) had very low numbers but have still been seen on 18 of 24 counts. Pine Grosbeak (2) were also very low. Cassin's Finch (7) are on about half our counts; they prefer less urban settings than their House cousins. Common Redpoll (163) were late in arriving to feeders this year but had decent numbers. Red Crossbill (52) are on most counts and also had decent numbers this year. White-winged Crossbill (45) are unusual to get bur were seen in record numbers this year.
Many of our regular feeder birds did not show at feeders in their usual numbers on count day and feeder watchers have noticed birds are scarcer so far this winter. Numbers were low for Downy Woodpecker (9) - the lowest number since 2010, Hairy Woodpecker (4) - the lowest number since 2006, Canada Jay (2), Steller's Jay (1), Black-capped Chickadee (75) which continues on every count but was half of average this year, Red-breasted Nuthatch (41), Song Sparrow (9), and House Finch (87) - a third of usual.
The species that had average to above average numbers were Pileated Woodpecker (8), Mountain Chickadee (130), Dark-eyed Junco (19) which are missed sometimes but have been on the last 11 counts, and American Goldfinch (10) which is the fifth year in a row for them. Northern Flicker (31) were a bit above average in number and Blue Jay (29), which are sometimes missed, had double their average number.
The only other species to mention is Bald Eagle (8) which continues on every count and was of average number.
Below are the Cranbrook #122 results
|
Species nr |
Trend |
Species |
Nr |
|
1 |
rare |
American
Wigeon |
1 |
|
2 |
low |
Mallard |
154 |
|
3 |
low |
Common
Goldeneye |
13 |
|
4 |
rare |
Common
Merganser |
1 |
|
cw |
cw |
Ruffed
Grouse |
|
|
5 |
low |
Wild
Turkey |
6 |
|
cw |
cw |
Golden
Eagle |
|
|
6 |
average |
Bald
Eagle |
8 |
|
7 |
low |
Rock
Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) |
51 |
|
8 |
max |
Eurasian
Collared-Dove |
44 |
|
cw |
cw |
Mourning
Dove |
|
|
9 |
average |
Northern
Pygmy-Owl |
1 |
|
10 |
<
avg |
Downy
Woodpecker |
9 |
|
11 |
low |
Hairy
Woodpecker |
4 |
|
cw |
cw |
American
Three-toed Woodpecker |
|
|
12 |
>
avg |
Northern
Flicker |
31 |
|
13 |
average |
Pileated
Woodpecker |
8 |
|
woodpecker
sp. |
1 |
||
|
14 |
average |
Merlin |
3 |
|
15 |
low |
Canada
Jay |
2 |
|
16 |
low |
Steller's
Jay |
1 |
|
17 |
>
avg |
Blue Jay |
29 |
|
18 |
average |
Black-billed
Magpie |
3 |
|
19 |
low |
Clark's
Nutcracker |
3 |
|
20 |
>
avg |
American
Crow |
113 |
|
21 |
low |
Common
Raven |
148 |
|
22 |
low |
Black-capped
Chickadee |
75 |
|
23 |
average |
Mountain
Chickadee |
130 |
|
cw |
cw |
Chestnut-backed
Chickadee |
|
|
chickadee
sp. |
12 |
||
|
24 |
<
avg |
Red-breasted
Nuthatch |
41 |
|
25 |
average |
Brown
Creeper |
1 |
|
26 |
average |
American
Dipper |
7 |
|
cw |
cw |
Golden-crowned
Kinglet |
|
|
27 |
average |
Townsend's
Solitaire |
13 |
|
28 |
low |
European
Starling |
12 |
|
29 |
low |
Bohemian
Waxwing |
479 |
|
30 |
rare |
American
Tree Sparrow |
1 |
|
31 |
average |
Dark-eyed
Junco |
19 |
|
32 |
rare |
Harris's
Sparrow |
1 |
|
33 |
low |
Song
Sparrow |
9 |
|
34 |
unusual |
Red-winged
Blackbird |
1 |
|
35 |
low |
Evening
Grosbeak |
2 |
|
36 |
low |
Pine
Grosbeak |
2 |
|
37 |
low |
House
Finch |
87 |
|
38 |
unusual |
Cassin's
Finch |
7 |
|
39 |
>
avg |
Common
Redpoll |
163 |
|
40 |
average |
Red
Crossbill |
52 |
|
41 |
max |
White-winged
Crossbill |
45 |
|
42 |
average |
American
Goldfinch |
10 |
|
43 |
average |
House
Sparrow |
64 |
|
passerine
sp. |
25 |
||
|
Total
Individuals |
1892 |
||
|
Missed |
|||
|
Pine
Siskin |
|||
|
Northern
Shrike |
|||
|
Canada Goose |
|||
|
Sharp-shinned Hawk |
|||
|
Cooper's Hawk |
|||
|
Rough-legged Hawk |
|||
|
Belted Kingfisher |
|||
|
White-breasted
Nuthatch |
|||
|
Gray-crowned
Rosy-finch |
|||
|
Legend: |
|||
|
max |
new
maximum number |
||
|
+ avg |
a bit
above average |
||
|
avg |
close to
the average |
||
|
- avg |
a bit
below average |
||
|
low |
significantly
below average |
||
|
rare |
rare |
||
|
species |
reported
by only one team |
||
|
cw |
reported
in count week only |
Below is the Jaffray 2021 list
|
Nr of Individuals |
Species |
|
12 |
Canada
Goose |
|
67 |
Mallard |
|
5 |
Bufflehead |
|
2 |
Common
Goldeneye |
|
10 |
Ruffed
Grouse |
|
119 |
Wild
Turkey |
|
1 |
Great
Blue Heron |
|
1 |
Golden
Eagle |
|
6 |
Bald
Eagle |
|
2 |
Red
Tailed Hawk |
|
6 |
Rock
Pigeon |
|
1 |
Rough
-legged Hawk |
|
32 |
Eurasian
Collared Dove |
|
1 |
Northern
Pygmy Owl |
|
2 |
Belted
Kingfisher |
|
12 |
Downy Wp |
|
3 |
Hairy Wp |
|
41 |
Northern
Flicker |
|
3 |
Pileated
WP |
|
2 |
Canada
Jay |
|
4 |
Stellar
Jay |
|
2 |
Blue Jay |
|
12 |
Black
Billed Magpie10 |
|
14 |
Clark’s
Nutcracker |
|
157 |
Am Crow |
|
80 |
Raven |
|
113 |
Black
Capped Chickadee |
|
15 |
Mountain
Chickadee |
|
17 |
Chickadee
sp |
|
57 |
Red
breasted Nuthatch |
|
2 |
Brown
Creeper |
|
3 |
American
Dipper |
|
1 |
Golden
Crowned Kinglet |
|
22 |
Townsend’s
Solitaire |
|
1 |
American
Robin |
|
1 |
Dark
Eyed Junco |
|
10 |
Song
Sparrow |
|
51 |
House
Finch |
|
98 |
Red
Crossbill |
|
9 |
Common
Redpoll |
|
32 |
Evening
Grosbeak |
|
14 |
House
Sparrow |
|
1 |
Northern
Pintail |
|
1 |
Oregon
Junco |
|
2 |
Slate
gray Junco |
|
2 |
Gray
Rosy Finch |
|
6 |
Passerine
sp |
|
1055 |
43
species |
Count #121 Cranbrook and Kimberley
Christmas Bird Count Results
By Dianne Cooper
Updated 2021-01-07
The 23rd annual Christmas Bird Counts for Cranbrook and Kimberley were held on December 26, 2020 and January 3, 2021, respectively.
On Count Day, teams of counters cover as much of a specified 24-km diameter circle as possible to tally all birds they see; feeder counters tally the highest number of a species seen around their yard. Count Week extends three days before and after count day. Any species NOT seen on Count Day but seen during Count Week can be included in the official report to Bird Studies Canada/National Audubon Society (but numbers of individuals of "count week" species are not added to the count tally).
Current public health requirements and recommendations meant that no potlucks for count-up were held. Also, during the counts, there were no pre-count meetups nor car-pooling; field counters were required to wear a mask when in proximity to others and to not enter private residences. Communication for organizing the events, co-ordinating teams during the counts, and gathering the results were completely by email and cell phone in a satisfactory manner. Hopefully, next year we will be able to all get together again to hear great birding stories and share our love of birds.
Field observers participating in one or both counts (Cranbrook and/or Kimberley) totalled 25 birders and friends, all local residents, and 21 people contributed feeder counts.
Cranbrook CBC Results
National Audubon Society, Birds Canada (formerly Bird Studies Canada) Count #121
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 26 Dec 2020
Count week: 23 Dec 2019 - 31 Dec 2019
Species total: 47
Number of individual birds total: 3,424
The Cranbrook circle goes from St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay (Moyie Lake) and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. Also included is the Trans-Canada Trail to Rampart Rest Area.
The weather for the Cranbrook count was relatively mild with temperatures ranging from -9 to -6 °C. Winds were very light to light, there was no precipitation, and Green Bay (Moyie Lake) was mostly open but the Cranbrook sewage lagoons were mostly frozen.
People going out into the field, driving or walking, numbered 19 birders and friends and 13 feeder counts were contributed.
The total number birds counted was 3,483 which is our second highest to date, so it was a good count overall.
The 47 species recorded on count day was above the average of 43 species for the Cranbrook count.
Woodpecker Grand Slam!
This year's count can go down in history as only the second time we got a Woodpecker Grand Slam! We saw all the possible species of winter woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, American Three-toed, and Pileated on count day and a Black-backed during count week. The only other time for a Woodpecker Grand Slam was Count #113 in December 2012. Not only that, three of the woodpecker species seen had record high numbers.
Teamwork
Often, one team or feeder watcher are the only ones to see a species. This is why it is crucial for us to work together to cover the whole circle. This year, the Mission North Cranbrook team got 5 species not seen by anyone else: Red-tailed Hawk (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Black-billed Magpie (2), White-breasted Nuthatch (1), and White-winged Crossbill (5). Yay!
The only Northern Pygmy-Owl and Spotted Towhee were contributed by the Hidden Valley team. The American Three-toed Woodpecker and five Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were contributed by the Jimsmith team. The New Lake team were the only ones to see an American Tree Sparrow and an Evening Grosbeak; and a Brown Creeper was contributed by the team that headed down to Green Bay (Moyie Lake north). More "Yay!".
The only Merlin was seen by a feeder watcher - not surprising since feeders are also where their food is.
Numerous species
Mallard (629) was the most numerous species this year taking top spot for only the third time in the 23 years of the count. This was also a new maximum for this species. Their numbers have been steadily increasing, as I am sure you've noticed.
Bohemian Waxwing (384) and Common Raven (333) were rivals for second spot. This Bohemian number is still below average, though, as sometimes they are very numerous (max = 4,950). Raven numbers were average. American Crow (155) numbers were above average.
New Maximum numbers
Record high counts were recorded for a whopping 8 species this year, including 3 of the woodpeckers in our Woodpecker Grand Slam.
Mallard (629) - still trending upward
Downy Woodpecker (26) was almost double their average
Hairy Woodpecker (22) was also almost double their average
Pileated Woodpecker (16) was double also
Canada Jay's (14) new maximum is only one more from LAST year's new max
Blue Jay (46) - this is the 4th year in a row we've counted a new maximum for Blue Jay
Mountain Chickadee (274) numbers were almost 3 times their average
Red-breasted Nuthatch (117) was also almost 3 times average
Notable misses
94 species have ever been recorded on the Cranbrook CBC, 54 of which have been recorded on only half of the counts. "Misses" means species that were around before or after the count that we could have got on count day, OR species we usually get but were not seen count day.
A Snow Goose that had been hanging around The Mission was not seen since the 20th of December. It would have been a "first" for the count.
A Great Horned Owl that was heard on the 21st near the Hospital but was not heard on count day or during count week. This species continues to elude us on count day - having been detected only once before.
We also missed Ruffed Grouse, which has been counted on 14 of our 23 counts. Also, most notably because they are sometimes in large numbers and are favourites of feeder watchers, Common Redpoll was missed.
Count week
A Common Merganser that had been at the north end of Moyie Lake on the 24th was not seen for the count. We've recorded it on the previous 3 counts, but it has only ever been on 5 counts.
Also seen during count week only, were Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Northern Goshawk, and Northern Shrike.
The Black-backed Woodpecker seen during count week rounded out all the possible winter woodpecker species to give us a Woodpecker Grand Slam!
No new species were recorded for the count this year. CORRECTION: late report of a Northern Mockingbird, seen 2020-Dec-29 - so "count week" species.
Rare appearances were made by
American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) - 4th time on the count
American Tree Sparrow (1) - also 4th time on the count. I suspect there were more around because another one was seen the day after the count at a feeder in a completely different area - but they do fly around!
White-winged Crossbill (5) - 5th time
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (5) - 5th time
Spotted Towhee (1) - not rare in summer but at least one bird is testing its mettle; and this is only the 3rd time it's been on the Cranbrook count
One to three - usual and unusual species
It's nice to not miss species that are naturally sparse in population density but usually have a few all year or over-wintering here. This year we got: Green-winged Teal (2), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Mourning Dove (4), Northern Pygmy Owl (1) - the first one since 2016, Belted Kingfisher (1), Merlin (1), Black-billed Magpie (2), Brown Creeper (1), and Northern Goshawk (count week - cw)
The one White-breasted Nuthatch seen was the first one on count day in four years.
The drama of nature was witnessed by the Mission North Cranbrook team: they briefly spotted a small hawk, either a Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk, carrying off a vole before it disappeared into the forest to have its lunch in peace and quiet.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (17), Rock Pigeon (260), European Starling (66), and House Sparrow (125) were all high in number or above average.
High numbers
Beside the new maximum numbers for species mentioned above, high numbers were also counted for Common Goldeneye (65) - 3 times the average, and Pine Siskin (185), also 3 times the average.
Thirteen American Dipper (13) were also a high number to get. The maximum was 23 back in December of 2006.
Low Numbers
Steller's Jay (3) numbers were half their average and Clark's Nutcracker (13) numbers continue to be low after their maximum of 90 in 2011. Evening Grosbeak (1) on the count has been sporadic for the past 5 years and their numbers low.
Our favourite feeder birds
Feeder watchers reported generally low activity at their feeders but when everyone's numbers are added together, our favourite feeder birds seem to be having a pretty good year! Mountain Chickadee (274) showed a new maximum and Black-capped Chickadee (153) was above average for the third year in a row. Dark-eyed Junco (40), Song Sparrow (29), and Pine Grosbeak (47) were all above average and House Finch (216) and American Goldfinch (18) were both average.
Other favorite species spotted were American Dipper (7 - average), Townsend's Solitaire (17 - above average), American Robin (17 - average), and Bald Eagle (6 - average).
Kimberley Results
National Audubon Society, Birds Canada (formerly Bird Studies Canada) Count #121
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 3 Jan 2021
Count week: 31 Dec 2020 - 6 Jan 2021
Species total: 51
Number of individual birds total: 2,368
The Kimberly circle goes from Wycliffe, the north side of the Saint Mary's River to Wasa, and from Bummer's Flats to the base of the Kimberley ski hill, encompassing Ta Ta Creek, Meadowbrook, Kimberley and Marysville.
The weather for the Kimberley count was unusually mild for January with temperatures ranging from 1 to 7 °C. Winds were very light in most places in the morning but picked up everywhere in the afternoon to gusts of about 20 km/h. There was a dump of 20 cm of snow overnight in the upper levels of Kimberley, but only a few cm in Marysville and none on the lower elevations. Wasa Lake and all the little ponds were frozen; the rivers were partly frozen. The roads were extremely icy but everyone managed to drive safely.
People going out into the field driving or walking, numbered 15 birders and friends and 8 feeder counts were contributed.
The total number of individual birds counted was 2,368 which is about average.
New Record for Total Species for Kimberley!
This year's count can go down in history for when we set a new all-time record for number of species - 51 species! The previous record of 49 species was set only two years ago in January 2019.
No new species were recorded for the count this year; we just managed to get a good percentage of the 79 species we've ever gotten on count day including those naturally low in number and usually uncommon.
Teamwork
Unique Species
Often, one team or feeder watcher is the only one to see a species. This is why it is crucial for us to work together to cover all habitats in the whole circle. This year, the list of unique species seen by field counters or feeder watchers includes the following:
Ruffed Grouse (1) at a feeder in Meadowbrook
Red-tailed Hawk (1) out in Wycliffe
Golden Eagle (1) very high above Bummer's Flats
Belted Kingfisher (2) along the Kootenay River
American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) across the river from St. Eugene
Canada Jay (1) in Meadowbrook
Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2) in Kimberley
Golden-crowned Kinglet (7) in Ta Ta Creek
American Robin (1) on Clearview Rd
Snow Bunting (80) at Pine Butte Ranch
American Tree Sparrow (6) at a feeder in Ta Ta Creek
Gray-crowned Rosy finch (2) at a feeder on Clearview Rd.
BOWA Adjustments
We also have to co-ordinate, as best we can, how many of each species we count because bird fly around. This year on count day, the Kimberley/Marysville team got 335 Bohemian Waxwings. Now, may of us know there are sometimes a lot of Bohemian Waxwings around; to some people they are THE "Winter Birds". Bohemian Waxing love to eat the mountain ash berries and they travel and roost together, sometimes in very large flocks. We can only count what we see (and we have to be careful not to double count!). But later in the day, a field counter returning home from Wycliffe saw a flock of about 500 waxwings over the Ski Hill residential area - so 165 birds were added to the count. A couple of days later, a report came in of 1500 - 2000 waxwings in a flock over the same area! Too late for the count but great to know the species is doing better than we thought this winter.
Notable misses
On count day, we actually missed only a few things that we "usually" see such as Mourning Dove, Merlin, and Cassin's Finch. We haven't gotten Merlin on the Kimberley count for the past 7 years - but Cranbrook has! Most notably missed was the common House Sparrow which has been on 18 of the 23 counts to date.
Count week
If we miss a species on the day of the count but see it within 3 days before or after, we can include it in our report to Audubon; but it doesn't count towards our total species or numbers of individual birds.
This year, count week reports were for Bufflehead, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and White-winged Crossbill. Very nice.
We'd originally thought we'd missed Ruffed Grouse so one determined participant set off on foot to get the one she knew was near her house but she hadn't seen it in awhile. After bushwhacking through bramble and snow, she got it! Then, a late report from a feeder watcher came in which allowed us to include it on our count day totals. Thanks, VR, for your determination!
Other uncommon species
Most of the species found by only one team (see "Unique Species" above) are also uncommon all year long, or uncommon in winter, at least.
This is the fifth time for American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) on the Kimberley count. It was spotted by only one field counter while he was driving but he couldn't stop to look at it because his vehicle was sliding down an icy hill at the time! Not the best way to view this beautiful woodpecker - but he got it.
Also uncommonly seen during winter on the Kimberley count, were Common Merganser (4). Like some other waterfowl, they will stay if the rivers are only partly frozen, as is the case this year. Common Goldeneye (55 - a new max) and Mallard (25 - also a new max) were also seen.
One to three - usual and unusual species
Part of the reason why we got a record species count this year was that we managed to pick up all the species that are usually low in numbers including Northern Pygmy-Owl (2), Northern Shrike (3) - which we missed last year but has been on 18 of the 23 counts, and Brown Creeper (3) as well as the unique finds listed above.
The usual non-feeder species
Wild Turkey (28) numbers were half of average this year. We usually get a few more Bald Eagles (15) than Cranbrook and this year their numbers were a bit higher than average. Our favourite American Dipper (6) also had higher numbers. This species has been missed only once in 23 years on either count.
The usual / feeder birds
Kimberley numbers of the usual feeder species were mostly average to high, unlike the Cranbrook count which got new maximums for several of these species.
Of note are:
Townsend's Solitaire (7) which was missed last year but is usually seen
Dark-eyed Junco (48) whose numbers were 3 times the average
Evening Grosbeak (30) which were missed the previous two years but otherwise on every count
Red Crossbill (82) - also missed last year but on 19 of 23 counts
Pine Siskin (93) whose numbers were much better than the previous two years
Numerous species
Bohemian Waxwing (589) was our most numerous species, as usual, but their numbers (on count day) were half of average. However, the size of the flock in town seen after count day (1500-2000) was at the high end of their historic numbers. For whatever reason, they did not flock up and fly around as much on Sunday's count day as they did on Tuesday. Perhaps they were busy feeding on Sunday, after a cold and snowy night, but on Tuesday their bellies were full and they were full of energy. Count day does just provide a snapshot of the number of birds around and weather is likely one factor affecting the detection of all the species.
American Crow (16) numbers were low. I wonder if the Kimberley crows decided to move to Cranbrook since Cranbrook numbers, counted just the week before, were well above average.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (27) on the Kimberley count is more numerous than on the Cranbrook count. It is also more consistent in the Kimberley circle, having been seen on all the counts in the past 10 years. It showed up a year later on the Cranbrook count and has been missed there a couple of times. Its numbers were well above average in the Kimberley circle this year.
Low Numbers
The same species with low numbers on the Cranbrook count also had lower numbers for the Kimberley count. Steller's Jay (5) numbers were half their average and Clark's Nutcracker (52) numbers were better in Kimberley than Cranbrook but still below average. Evening Grosbeak (30) numbers were half of average but it had been missed on the previous two counts - the only misses in 23 years.
New Maximum numbers
Record high numbers were found for Mallard (25) and Common Goldeneye (55) reflecting the fact that the rivers are still relatively ice-free. Rock Pigeon (115) also had a new maximum but their numbers are still less than half of Cranbrook.
The 8 Pygmy Nuthatches counted were the most ever on count day so far. This species is now found regularly (7 of the last 9 counts) throughout the year, if you know where to look.
Mark your calendars for similar dates next year!
Christmas Bird Count Results
By Dianne Cooper
Updated 2021-01-07
The 23rd annual Christmas Bird Counts for Cranbrook and Kimberley were held on December 26, 2020 and January 3, 2021, respectively.
On Count Day, teams of counters cover as much of a specified 24-km diameter circle as possible to tally all birds they see; feeder counters tally the highest number of a species seen around their yard. Count Week extends three days before and after count day. Any species NOT seen on Count Day but seen during Count Week can be included in the official report to Bird Studies Canada/National Audubon Society (but numbers of individuals of "count week" species are not added to the count tally).
Current public health requirements and recommendations meant that no potlucks for count-up were held. Also, during the counts, there were no pre-count meetups nor car-pooling; field counters were required to wear a mask when in proximity to others and to not enter private residences. Communication for organizing the events, co-ordinating teams during the counts, and gathering the results were completely by email and cell phone in a satisfactory manner. Hopefully, next year we will be able to all get together again to hear great birding stories and share our love of birds.
Field observers participating in one or both counts (Cranbrook and/or Kimberley) totalled 25 birders and friends, all local residents, and 21 people contributed feeder counts.
Cranbrook CBC Results
National Audubon Society, Birds Canada (formerly Bird Studies Canada) Count #121
Count code: BCCB
Count day: 26 Dec 2020
Count week: 23 Dec 2019 - 31 Dec 2019
Species total: 47
Number of individual birds total: 3,424
The Cranbrook circle goes from St. Eugene Mission to Green Bay (Moyie Lake) and from Old Wycliffe to Gold Creek. Also included is the Trans-Canada Trail to Rampart Rest Area.
The weather for the Cranbrook count was relatively mild with temperatures ranging from -9 to -6 °C. Winds were very light to light, there was no precipitation, and Green Bay (Moyie Lake) was mostly open but the Cranbrook sewage lagoons were mostly frozen.
People going out into the field, driving or walking, numbered 19 birders and friends and 13 feeder counts were contributed.
The total number birds counted was 3,483 which is our second highest to date, so it was a good count overall.
The 47 species recorded on count day was above the average of 43 species for the Cranbrook count.
Woodpecker Grand Slam!
This year's count can go down in history as only the second time we got a Woodpecker Grand Slam! We saw all the possible species of winter woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, American Three-toed, and Pileated on count day and a Black-backed during count week. The only other time for a Woodpecker Grand Slam was Count #113 in December 2012. Not only that, three of the woodpecker species seen had record high numbers.
Teamwork
Often, one team or feeder watcher are the only ones to see a species. This is why it is crucial for us to work together to cover the whole circle. This year, the Mission North Cranbrook team got 5 species not seen by anyone else: Red-tailed Hawk (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Black-billed Magpie (2), White-breasted Nuthatch (1), and White-winged Crossbill (5). Yay!
The only Northern Pygmy-Owl and Spotted Towhee were contributed by the Hidden Valley team. The American Three-toed Woodpecker and five Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were contributed by the Jimsmith team. The New Lake team were the only ones to see an American Tree Sparrow and an Evening Grosbeak; and a Brown Creeper was contributed by the team that headed down to Green Bay (Moyie Lake north). More "Yay!".
The only Merlin was seen by a feeder watcher - not surprising since feeders are also where their food is.
Numerous species
Mallard (629) was the most numerous species this year taking top spot for only the third time in the 23 years of the count. This was also a new maximum for this species. Their numbers have been steadily increasing, as I am sure you've noticed.
Bohemian Waxwing (384) and Common Raven (333) were rivals for second spot. This Bohemian number is still below average, though, as sometimes they are very numerous (max = 4,950). Raven numbers were average. American Crow (155) numbers were above average.
New Maximum numbers
Record high counts were recorded for a whopping 8 species this year, including 3 of the woodpeckers in our Woodpecker Grand Slam.
Mallard (629) - still trending upward
Downy Woodpecker (26) was almost double their average
Hairy Woodpecker (22) was also almost double their average
Pileated Woodpecker (16) was double also
Canada Jay's (14) new maximum is only one more from LAST year's new max
Blue Jay (46) - this is the 4th year in a row we've counted a new maximum for Blue Jay
Mountain Chickadee (274) numbers were almost 3 times their average
Red-breasted Nuthatch (117) was also almost 3 times average
Notable misses
94 species have ever been recorded on the Cranbrook CBC, 54 of which have been recorded on only half of the counts. "Misses" means species that were around before or after the count that we could have got on count day, OR species we usually get but were not seen count day.
A Snow Goose that had been hanging around The Mission was not seen since the 20th of December. It would have been a "first" for the count.
A Great Horned Owl that was heard on the 21st near the Hospital but was not heard on count day or during count week. This species continues to elude us on count day - having been detected only once before.
We also missed Ruffed Grouse, which has been counted on 14 of our 23 counts. Also, most notably because they are sometimes in large numbers and are favourites of feeder watchers, Common Redpoll was missed.
Count week
A Common Merganser that had been at the north end of Moyie Lake on the 24th was not seen for the count. We've recorded it on the previous 3 counts, but it has only ever been on 5 counts.
Also seen during count week only, were Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Northern Goshawk, and Northern Shrike.
The Black-backed Woodpecker seen during count week rounded out all the possible winter woodpecker species to give us a Woodpecker Grand Slam!
No new species were recorded for the count this year. CORRECTION: late report of a Northern Mockingbird, seen 2020-Dec-29 - so "count week" species.
Rare appearances were made by
American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) - 4th time on the count
American Tree Sparrow (1) - also 4th time on the count. I suspect there were more around because another one was seen the day after the count at a feeder in a completely different area - but they do fly around!
White-winged Crossbill (5) - 5th time
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (5) - 5th time
Spotted Towhee (1) - not rare in summer but at least one bird is testing its mettle; and this is only the 3rd time it's been on the Cranbrook count
One to three - usual and unusual species
It's nice to not miss species that are naturally sparse in population density but usually have a few all year or over-wintering here. This year we got: Green-winged Teal (2), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Mourning Dove (4), Northern Pygmy Owl (1) - the first one since 2016, Belted Kingfisher (1), Merlin (1), Black-billed Magpie (2), Brown Creeper (1), and Northern Goshawk (count week - cw)
The one White-breasted Nuthatch seen was the first one on count day in four years.
The drama of nature was witnessed by the Mission North Cranbrook team: they briefly spotted a small hawk, either a Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk, carrying off a vole before it disappeared into the forest to have its lunch in peace and quiet.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (17), Rock Pigeon (260), European Starling (66), and House Sparrow (125) were all high in number or above average.
High numbers
Beside the new maximum numbers for species mentioned above, high numbers were also counted for Common Goldeneye (65) - 3 times the average, and Pine Siskin (185), also 3 times the average.
Thirteen American Dipper (13) were also a high number to get. The maximum was 23 back in December of 2006.
Low Numbers
Steller's Jay (3) numbers were half their average and Clark's Nutcracker (13) numbers continue to be low after their maximum of 90 in 2011. Evening Grosbeak (1) on the count has been sporadic for the past 5 years and their numbers low.
Our favourite feeder birds
Feeder watchers reported generally low activity at their feeders but when everyone's numbers are added together, our favourite feeder birds seem to be having a pretty good year! Mountain Chickadee (274) showed a new maximum and Black-capped Chickadee (153) was above average for the third year in a row. Dark-eyed Junco (40), Song Sparrow (29), and Pine Grosbeak (47) were all above average and House Finch (216) and American Goldfinch (18) were both average.
Other favorite species spotted were American Dipper (7 - average), Townsend's Solitaire (17 - above average), American Robin (17 - average), and Bald Eagle (6 - average).
Kimberley Results
National Audubon Society, Birds Canada (formerly Bird Studies Canada) Count #121
Count code: BCKB
Count day: 3 Jan 2021
Count week: 31 Dec 2020 - 6 Jan 2021
Species total: 51
Number of individual birds total: 2,368
The Kimberly circle goes from Wycliffe, the north side of the Saint Mary's River to Wasa, and from Bummer's Flats to the base of the Kimberley ski hill, encompassing Ta Ta Creek, Meadowbrook, Kimberley and Marysville.
The weather for the Kimberley count was unusually mild for January with temperatures ranging from 1 to 7 °C. Winds were very light in most places in the morning but picked up everywhere in the afternoon to gusts of about 20 km/h. There was a dump of 20 cm of snow overnight in the upper levels of Kimberley, but only a few cm in Marysville and none on the lower elevations. Wasa Lake and all the little ponds were frozen; the rivers were partly frozen. The roads were extremely icy but everyone managed to drive safely.
People going out into the field driving or walking, numbered 15 birders and friends and 8 feeder counts were contributed.
The total number of individual birds counted was 2,368 which is about average.
New Record for Total Species for Kimberley!
This year's count can go down in history for when we set a new all-time record for number of species - 51 species! The previous record of 49 species was set only two years ago in January 2019.
No new species were recorded for the count this year; we just managed to get a good percentage of the 79 species we've ever gotten on count day including those naturally low in number and usually uncommon.
Teamwork
Unique Species
Often, one team or feeder watcher is the only one to see a species. This is why it is crucial for us to work together to cover all habitats in the whole circle. This year, the list of unique species seen by field counters or feeder watchers includes the following:
Ruffed Grouse (1) at a feeder in Meadowbrook
Red-tailed Hawk (1) out in Wycliffe
Golden Eagle (1) very high above Bummer's Flats
Belted Kingfisher (2) along the Kootenay River
American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) across the river from St. Eugene
Canada Jay (1) in Meadowbrook
Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2) in Kimberley
Golden-crowned Kinglet (7) in Ta Ta Creek
American Robin (1) on Clearview Rd
Snow Bunting (80) at Pine Butte Ranch
American Tree Sparrow (6) at a feeder in Ta Ta Creek
Gray-crowned Rosy finch (2) at a feeder on Clearview Rd.
BOWA Adjustments
We also have to co-ordinate, as best we can, how many of each species we count because bird fly around. This year on count day, the Kimberley/Marysville team got 335 Bohemian Waxwings. Now, may of us know there are sometimes a lot of Bohemian Waxwings around; to some people they are THE "Winter Birds". Bohemian Waxing love to eat the mountain ash berries and they travel and roost together, sometimes in very large flocks. We can only count what we see (and we have to be careful not to double count!). But later in the day, a field counter returning home from Wycliffe saw a flock of about 500 waxwings over the Ski Hill residential area - so 165 birds were added to the count. A couple of days later, a report came in of 1500 - 2000 waxwings in a flock over the same area! Too late for the count but great to know the species is doing better than we thought this winter.
Notable misses
On count day, we actually missed only a few things that we "usually" see such as Mourning Dove, Merlin, and Cassin's Finch. We haven't gotten Merlin on the Kimberley count for the past 7 years - but Cranbrook has! Most notably missed was the common House Sparrow which has been on 18 of the 23 counts to date.
Count week
If we miss a species on the day of the count but see it within 3 days before or after, we can include it in our report to Audubon; but it doesn't count towards our total species or numbers of individual birds.
This year, count week reports were for Bufflehead, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and White-winged Crossbill. Very nice.
We'd originally thought we'd missed Ruffed Grouse so one determined participant set off on foot to get the one she knew was near her house but she hadn't seen it in awhile. After bushwhacking through bramble and snow, she got it! Then, a late report from a feeder watcher came in which allowed us to include it on our count day totals. Thanks, VR, for your determination!
Other uncommon species
Most of the species found by only one team (see "Unique Species" above) are also uncommon all year long, or uncommon in winter, at least.
This is the fifth time for American Three-toed Woodpecker (1) on the Kimberley count. It was spotted by only one field counter while he was driving but he couldn't stop to look at it because his vehicle was sliding down an icy hill at the time! Not the best way to view this beautiful woodpecker - but he got it.
Also uncommonly seen during winter on the Kimberley count, were Common Merganser (4). Like some other waterfowl, they will stay if the rivers are only partly frozen, as is the case this year. Common Goldeneye (55 - a new max) and Mallard (25 - also a new max) were also seen.
One to three - usual and unusual species
Part of the reason why we got a record species count this year was that we managed to pick up all the species that are usually low in numbers including Northern Pygmy-Owl (2), Northern Shrike (3) - which we missed last year but has been on 18 of the 23 counts, and Brown Creeper (3) as well as the unique finds listed above.
The usual non-feeder species
Wild Turkey (28) numbers were half of average this year. We usually get a few more Bald Eagles (15) than Cranbrook and this year their numbers were a bit higher than average. Our favourite American Dipper (6) also had higher numbers. This species has been missed only once in 23 years on either count.
The usual / feeder birds
Kimberley numbers of the usual feeder species were mostly average to high, unlike the Cranbrook count which got new maximums for several of these species.
Of note are:
Townsend's Solitaire (7) which was missed last year but is usually seen
Dark-eyed Junco (48) whose numbers were 3 times the average
Evening Grosbeak (30) which were missed the previous two years but otherwise on every count
Red Crossbill (82) - also missed last year but on 19 of 23 counts
Pine Siskin (93) whose numbers were much better than the previous two years
Numerous species
Bohemian Waxwing (589) was our most numerous species, as usual, but their numbers (on count day) were half of average. However, the size of the flock in town seen after count day (1500-2000) was at the high end of their historic numbers. For whatever reason, they did not flock up and fly around as much on Sunday's count day as they did on Tuesday. Perhaps they were busy feeding on Sunday, after a cold and snowy night, but on Tuesday their bellies were full and they were full of energy. Count day does just provide a snapshot of the number of birds around and weather is likely one factor affecting the detection of all the species.
American Crow (16) numbers were low. I wonder if the Kimberley crows decided to move to Cranbrook since Cranbrook numbers, counted just the week before, were well above average.
Introduced species
Eurasian Collared-Dove (27) on the Kimberley count is more numerous than on the Cranbrook count. It is also more consistent in the Kimberley circle, having been seen on all the counts in the past 10 years. It showed up a year later on the Cranbrook count and has been missed there a couple of times. Its numbers were well above average in the Kimberley circle this year.
Low Numbers
The same species with low numbers on the Cranbrook count also had lower numbers for the Kimberley count. Steller's Jay (5) numbers were half their average and Clark's Nutcracker (52) numbers were better in Kimberley than Cranbrook but still below average. Evening Grosbeak (30) numbers were half of average but it had been missed on the previous two counts - the only misses in 23 years.
New Maximum numbers
Record high numbers were found for Mallard (25) and Common Goldeneye (55) reflecting the fact that the rivers are still relatively ice-free. Rock Pigeon (115) also had a new maximum but their numbers are still less than half of Cranbrook.
The 8 Pygmy Nuthatches counted were the most ever on count day so far. This species is now found regularly (7 of the last 9 counts) throughout the year, if you know where to look.
Mark your calendars for similar dates next year!
Cranbrook CBC Results 26-Dec-2020
|
Species Count |
Trend |
Species
and Countable Taxon |
Nr of Individuals |
|
cw |
|
Canada
Goose |
|
|
1 |
max |
Mallard |
629 |
|
2 |
avg |
Green-winged
Teal |
2 |
|
3 |
high |
Common
Goldeneye |
65 |
|
cw |