Bruce Di Labio's Blog: 40th Annual Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count results

Friday, January 11, 2013

40th Annual Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count results

40th Annual

Massena, New York-Cornwall, Ontario

Christmas Bird Count Results

December 22, 2012

Hi Everyone

The 40th Annual Massena,NY.-Cornwall,On. Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on Saturday, December 22, 2012. A total of 19 field observers and 9 feeder watchers recorded 57 species and 17,600 individuals. One new species, Ross's Goose, was added to the All Time List bringing the total to 139 species in 40 years. Also, 3 record high counts and 2 tied record highs were recorded. It was a challenging day birding with blowing snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. The drifting snow reduced access to certain areas due to the unplowed roads. Most feeders were very quiet as birds took shelter from the winds which gusted up to 50-60km/hr! The temperature ranged from -7c to +1c with mainly poor visibility along the St. Lawrence River most of the day due to snow flurries. There were a few occasions when you could actually see across the river! The St. Lawrence River was wide open except for sheltered bays that were frozen or had ice along the shoreline. I would like to thank all the participants and sector leaders for their continued support on the count. Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested in participating next season. The date for next Massena,NY.-Cornwall,ON. CBC is set for Saturday, December 28, 2013.

Bruce Di Labio Compiler

The following highlights were recorded:

New species:

Ross's Goose 1

Record Highs: Previous highs are shown in parentheses followed by year.

Snow Goose 3205 (100,2005)

Dark-eyed Junco 131 (94,2011)

Hoary Redpoll 2 (1,4yrs, last 1999)

Tied Record Highs: Previous ties are shown in parentheses followed by year.

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 (1,7yrs. last 2010)

Carolina Wren 1 (1,4yrs. last 2011)

Other species of interest:

Cackling Goose 1 (3rd record)

Winter Finches:

Pine Grosbeak (47)
Purple Finch (1)
Red Crossbill (0)

White-winged Crossbill (0)

Common Redpoll (820)
Hoary Redpoll (2)

Pine Siskin (0)
American Goldfinch (141)
Evening Grosbeak (12)

Species	Number	Records	Comments
Snow Goose	3205	*	Record High
Ross's Goose	1	**	NEW species
Cackling Goose	1	3rd
Canada Goose	7091
Gadwall	24
American Black Duck	7
Mallard	139
Bufflehead	20
Common Goldeneye	58
Hooded Merganser	79
Common Merganser	639
Red-breasted Merganser	4
Ruffed Grouse	2		low
Wild Turkey	61
Great Blue Heron	2		late
Bald Eagle	3
Northern Harrier	2		late
Sharp-shinned Hawk	3
Red-tailed Hawk	5		low
Rough-legged Hawk	1		low
Ring-billed Gull	21
Herring Gull	2551
Iceland Gull	2
Glaucous Gull	3
Great Black-backed Gull	115		lower numbers in recent years
Rock Pigeon	275
Mourning Dove	57
Barred Owl	2
Red-bellied Woodpecker	1	*** 7th	ties Record High
Downy Woodpecker	19		low
Hairy Woodpecker	16		low
Northern Flicker	1
Northern Shrike	1
Blue Jay	23		low
American Crow	485		low
Common Raven	7
Horned Lark	3
Black-capped Chickadee	408
Red-breasted Nuthatch	3		low
White-breasted Nuthatch	27		low
Carolina Wren	1	*** 5th	ties Record High (photo)
European Starling	111		low
Bohemian Waxwing	190
Cedar Waxwing	6
Snow Bunting	88
American Tree Sparrow	139
White-throated Sparrow	2		first since 2004
Dark-eyed Junco	131	*	Record High
Northern Cardinal	30
Pine Grosbeak	47
Purple Finch	1
House Finch	6		low
Common Redpoll	820
Hoary Redpoll	2	*	Record High
American Goldfinch	141
Evening Grosbeak	12
House Sparrow	5		low


Total Species:	57
Total Individuals:	17,600


Record High*
New Record**
Ties Record High***

Di Labio Birding Website

Courses and Field Trips
http://www.dilabiobirding.ca
http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com

Bruce Di Labio
400 Donald B. Munro Drive
P.O. Box 538
Carp, Ontario
K0A 1L0
Office 613-839-4395 Cell 613-715-2571

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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|

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Friday, January 11, 2013

40th Annual Massena-Cornwall Christmas Bird Count results

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