The day started out with freezing rain and continued till 3 p.m. This inclement weather saw a lower turnout of volunteers (46) and thus contributed to the lower numbers. That being said we had 6 count week birds which brought our total number to 71 species. We are really pleased with end result.
Highlights would be new high count of 30 Lesser Scaup seen by Joe Stephenson. Common Mergansers are increasing over the last 6 years. Dave Jolly saw our lone Common Raven. Common Ravens have been seen for the last three years and Red-headed Woodpecker seen last two years at Springwater. Peregrine Falcon seen last two years. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has been seen reliable recently. Considering the weather 84 Cedar Waxwings were seen out enjoying the berries with the Robins.
Several Purple Finch and Common Redpoll were lone winter finches. Last sign of a winter finch eruption was in 2020. No White-winged Crossbills since then.
Low counts included Snow Bunting at 32, American Tree Sparrow at 48 and Rock Pigeon at 48.
Count Week Birds: Cackling Goose, Great Blue Heron, American Kestrel, Iceland Gull, Belted Kingfisher and Fox Sparrow.
Notable misses were Rough-legged Hawk and Horned Lark. To be expected in this weather, no warblers. Snowy Owl still a no show.
It was a trying day for our volunteers and we had new volunteers who tested it out. We hope you enjoyed the day and will join us next year as mother nature is constantly changing.
This year we put the pot-luck back on at the church. Everyone brought lots of food and had a great time. The inclement weather really reduced the audience to people who lived locally, although a few brave soles from farther away did make it in.
Trish Snider had put in a lot of effort gathering prizes for the volunteers who came out to celebrate the last outing of our 75th Anniversary on Boxing Day. Trish had over 35 prizes, so many people went home with a prize.
Thank you to all businesses that donated prizes.
| Clovermead Adventure Farm | Sparta Country Candles | Canadian Raptor Conservancy |
| Follow Me North | Catfish Creek C.A. | Picard Peanuts |
| Howes Family Farm Market | Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control | Sparta Lavender Farm |
| Railway City Brewing | Canadale Nursuries | Fingal Farm Supply |
| From the Meadow | Aylmer Country Mills | Pinecroft |
| Carquest Auto Parts | Briwood Farm Market | M&M Meat Shop |
Special thank you to Trish for all the effort she put into making the day truly memorable.
Thank you to our volunteers and wish you all great birding in 2026,
Jackie and Al Sharpe