The annual Hanover/Walkerton Christmas Bird Count was conducted under almost ideal conditions on Saturday, December 17th, 2011. Very little snow fall made walking much easier than usual and driving pleasurable. Because of a lack of cold temperatures most bodies of water were mainly ice free and thus providing great habitat for Canada Geese and ducks.
This years count consisted of 26 participants who spread out over the count circle in search of our feathered friends. 52 species were recorded one short of the all time record set back in 2004, 2007. A total of 10,154 individuals made for a great count total. Rarities this year were Blue Winged Teal and Sandhill Crane, both new for the count. Other birds recorded but not normally counted include Ring-necked Pheasant, Merlin. Six additional species tied or broke all time high records. See list below.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participants who participated to make the count as successful as it was. We have some wonderful dedicated participants who make it a point to come out every year and bring great experience and knowledge of the area. I greatly appreciate the effort everyone puts into this count both those of you who are dedicated to come out every year and those new to the count. Without all of you it wouldn’t be possible. A special thank you goes to Charlene McNaughton for providing a fantastic meal during the tally session
Canada Goose 2504 ** New Record High (1,175 in 2001)
Mute Swan 7 ** New Record High (4 in 2006, 2009)
American Black Duck 5
Mallard 262
Blue-winged Teal 1 New Count Species
Bufflehead 2
Common Goldeneye 54
Common Merganser 12
Ring-necked Pheasant 1 Ties Record 1998
Ruffed Grouse 5
Wild Turkey 48
Bald Eagle 6 ** New Record High (5 in 2008)
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Red-tailed Hawk 29
Rough-legged Hawk 9
Buteo sp. 3
American Kestrel 3
Merlin 1
Sandhill Crane 4 New Count Species
Ring-billed Gull 319
Herring Gull 247
Rock Pigeon 306
Mourning Dove 162
Eastern Screech-Owl 12
Great Horned Owl 2
Snowy Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 37
Hairy Woodpecker 15
Northern Shrike 10
Blue Jay 159
American Crow 885
Common Raven 7
Black-capped Chickadee 575
Red-breasted Nuthatch 14
White-breasted Nuthatch 20
Brown Creeper 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 7
American Robin 19 Ties Record 1998
European Starling 2044
Cedar Waxwing 147 **New Record High (126 in 1999)
American Tree Sparrow 16
Dark-eyed Junco 288
Snow Bunting 885
Northern Cardinal 32
Purple Finch 10
House Finch 84
Common Redpoll 2
Pine Siskin 2
American Goldfinch 580
House Sparrow 300
Participants: Joy Albright, Jerry & Joan Asling, Mike & Helen Beaulieu, Clarke Birchard, Minerva Cook, John Cumings, Valerie Droog, Arlene Erven, Bob & Mary Beth Gray, Ralph Knowles, Peter Kloetstra, Gerard & Charlene McNaughton, Gary Nafziger, Jakob Nafziger, John Reaume, Dave & Jean Schaus, Murray Townsend, James Turland, Karen Vollmer, Ken & Trudy Watson.
