The 53rdannual Meaford CBC on Thursday December 28th featuredunseasonably warm, and completely snowless conditions. Fog and lightdrizzle throughout parts of the day were the only weather issues.  Lakes and rivers were totally ice-free.   The combinedefforts of our field & feeder observers resulted in the 5th highest total –57 species - in the 53 years of the Count. This total continues the trend of thepast 10 years of finding over 50, and increasingly, over 55 species in theMeaford circle. Prior to that, the long-term average was 46 species. Three new specieswere added to the 53-year cumulative total for this count– Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swan and Gray Catbird.    These additions bring theall-time species total to 129 species. Three new Highs were recorded – 4 Cackling Goose, an amazing 57Horned Grebe out from Meaford, and 389 American Crows. Eastern Bluebirdsmade an appearance again this year, continuing their trend of the last few yearsof overwintering in this area (6 of the past 7 years). Total individuals at 6455birds breaks the 1975 record of 6347 birds. Over1000 each of Canada Geese and Snow Buntings contributed to this high. It was a good count.  Thanks to everyone who helped out!  Lynne Richardson, Compiler