Bruce Di Labio's Blog: January 2, 2011 Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Count Results

Monday, January 3, 2011

January 2, 2011 Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Count Results

The 30th Dunrobin,On-Breckenridge, P.Q. Christmas Bird Count took place on January 2nd , 2011. Weather conditions varied from a very mild start at +6C while owling at 2:30a.m. to -2C in the late afternoon. Throughout the day, it was mainly overcast with varying winds out of the SSW changing through the day to WSW before the compilation. There was a sprinkling of snow in early afternoon and little snow cover on the ground, which made for easy walking. I would like to thank the record 57 field observers for their great effort in the field. This year, a total of 57 species were recorded and a number of new record highs. Again, many thanks to everyone who participated on the 30th Annual Dunrobin-Breckinridge Christmas Bird Count.

The following highlights were recorded.

New Species: No new species and the overall total remains at 110 species.

Record Highs: Previous highs are shown in parentheses, followed by the year. Mallard 116 (89,1993) Great Blue Heron 2 (1 6yrs. last 2006) Barred Owl 9 (4,1998) Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 (1,1989) European Starling 1374 (1196,2002)

Tied Record Highs: Previous record year in parentheses. Northern Saw-whet Owl 2 (1988,1999) Belted Kingfisher (1988,1998) Brown Thrasher (2010)

Other species of interest: Northern Harrier 1 (4th record) Ring-billed Gull 1 (3rd record) Northern Hawk-Owl 1 (9th record) Northern Shrike 2, and Bohemian Waxwing 1018.

Finches: Pine Grosbeak (1) Purple finch (0) White-winged Crossbill (0) Red Crossbill (0) Common Redpoll (337) Hoary Redpoll (1) Pine Siskin (15) American Goldfinch (283) Evening Grosbeak (13)

I would like to thank my wife Laurie for preparing the wonderful post-count supper and to all participants who brought deserts, food and wine to celebrate the 30th anniversary! Good Birding, Bruce

One of the two male Red-bellied Woodpeckers setting a new record high for the count.

Recent mild conditions were responsible for the record high Mallard numbers found on the count.

A late lingering Great Blue Heron along March Valley Road was on of two found on the count. Another record high.

The Barred Owl numbers were impressive with a new record high of 9 breaking the old record of 4 back in 1998!

A Brown Thrasher coming to a feeder was only the second count record. Interestingly the first record was last year.

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Monday, January 3, 2011

January 2, 2011 Dunrobin-Breckenridge Christmas Bird Count Results

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