From: Theresa McKenzie <tmckenzie.g.reed@rogers.com>To: Ontbirds <birdalert@ontbirds.ca>Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 03:51:55 p.m. ESTSubject: Richmond Hill CBC The 48th Richmond Hill CBC was held Saturday Dec. 16th. This count has been carried out since 1960, with gaps during the 1960s through 1980, then annually to date. The circle covers the municipalities of Aurora and Richmond Hill, along with portions of several surrounding communities.  While the area is rapidly increasing in urbanization throughout, the northern half, on the Oak Ridges Moraine, still has significant areas of agricultural and conservation land, as well as kettle lakes, wetlands and ponds. The lakes were almost entirely open this year with a very few, small, areas of still water coated in a thin layer of ice. Temperatures were mild with a high of 5 deg. C., light wind, and short, very localized, periods of light rain in portions of the count area.A total of 32 field participants, 12 feeder counters, and 1 owling party counted 17,535 individuals of 63 species. Horned lark and Northern harrier were additions for count week.  Diversity well above the average (51 species) was as expected, given the highly unusual lack of severe weather throughout late fall this year, and the almost completely open water on kettle lakes. One new species (Redhead) brought the all-time species count to 130. Red-headed woodpecker (2) was counted for just the second time in the history of the count. Notable highs (greater than twice the average) were recorded for Canada goose, Common Raven, Red-breasted nuthatch, and Wild turkey.   Species with well below average counts included American Kestrel, Herring Gull, House Finch, House Sparrow and Pine Siskin. Notable misses included Ruffed grouse (avg. 4), Snow bunting (avg. 126) and Pine Grosbeak (avg. 20). A count of 3 for Sharp-shinned hawk was a record low. Many thanks to all participants! Theresa McKenzieCompiler