This morning Rob and I took part in our first ever Christmas Bird Count for Bird Studies Canada. It was taking place at an area we have been birding for over a decade, The Humber Areboretum, and the organizers there, as well as from Bird Studies Canada were happy to have our assistance.
The count was actually for kids, but the adults and teenagers enjoyed it as well. Who doesn’t enjoy hand feeding Chickadees. It was actually the first time the Humber Areboretum hosted a bird count, but it won’t be the last time, the event was full.
Over all we saw 21 species which I have listed below. Sorry we don’t have many pictures to share, we were too busy enjoying the birds and the socializing.
Instructions before heading out.
Away we go!
A pair of Northern Cardinals stand out on an over-cast day.
The star of the day.
Someone is Geocaching here as well.
Always fun to witness people hand-feed Chickadees for the first time.
How many Cardinals do you see?
Our 21 species:
1. Mourning Doves
2. Chickadees
3. Mallard Ducks
4. Crow
5. Northern Cardinals
6. Goldfinches
7. Northern Harrier
8. House Finches
9. White-breasted Nuthatches
10. Red-breasted Nuthatches
11. Juncos
12. Ring-billed Gulls
13. European Starlings
14. White-throated Sparrows
15. Downy Woodpeckers
16. Hairy Woodpecker
17. Red-bellied Woodpecker
18. Canada Geese
19. House Sparrows
20. Rock Pigeon
21. And we accidentally flushed a Long-eared Owl
All in all it was a great morning and we look forward to taking part again.
From our house to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and a great 2017.
Merry Christmas, Angie & Rob
Beautiful Christmas greeting & story; thanks so much for sharing!