Linwood CBC

Today was the 12th annual Christmas Bird Count in the Linwood region.  It isn't far from me, but this was the first year that I have taken part in any count other than Stratford.  This count circle is different from most, nearly all the birding is done by car and raptors are usually very abundant here.  Each raptor observed, has its location mapped for future reference.  Around 30 people braved the cold and snow to get out and find some birds.

The observers in my zone were juggled around somewhat due to some unexpected issues, but in the end I spent the day counting birds with Dave Rooke.  There were quite a few raptors in our zone, the most numerous being Rough-Legged Hawk (19).

We ended up finding most of our expected species as the day progressed.  The exception being the embarrassing miss of Northern Cardinal.  Where were they??


We met up with the other counters in the evening for a data wrap-up.  It was here that I finally got to meet count organiser and fellow blogger Ken Burrell. 


This years count ended with a total of 54 species which is slightly above average.


Some of the notable numbers included:


Snowy Owl:  23 were counted in one zone!!  Count total was 35, a new high.


Northern Harrier:  0


Wood Duck: 1


Eastern Screech Owl: Correction- 23


Rough-Legged Hawk:  100


Common Raven: 8




It was fun trying out a new count.  Tomorrow is the Stratford CBC.  I am in charge of leading the Tavistock zone for that count.