On December 17, 2023, the 43rd Kleinburg Christmas Bird Count was held in very wet conditions. This circle includes parts of Vaughn, King Township, Caledon and Brampton. We had 33 Field observers and 7 Feeder Watchers who managed to find 9,975 birds representing 59 species. The total number is less than our average of about 12,000 but the species count was above the average of 54.
Two new species were recorded, a Ross's Goose and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. This brings the total number of species for the count to 119. Some other good finds (observed fewer than 5 times) included Green-winged Teal (2nd record), Northern Shoveler (2nd record), Bufflehead (4th record) and Double-crested Cormorant (2nd record).
The wet conditions reduced the numbers of Hawks and Falcons but all of the expected species were found except for Rough-legged Hawk (observed in 40 prior years). Four owls were observed, two each of Great Horned and Eastern Screech. Notable misses included Ruffed Grouse (32 prior years) and Snow Bunting (31 prior years).
Generally the numbers were lower than normal but a few species had good numbers including Trumpeter Swan (11 observed), Hooded Merganser (57), Cooper's Hawk (6) and White-throated Sparrow (51). Low counts were recorded for Black-capped Chickadee (270) and White-breasted Nuthatch (33).
Many thanks to all of the participants for working so hard on a really challenging day.
Bob NobleCBC CompilerBrampton