'Fascinating insights': Local Christmas Bird Count sets new records – OrilliaMatters
An impressive 11,220 individual birds were tallied during this year’s count, showcasing the abundance of avian life in our community
NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA NATURALISTS’ CLUB
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The Orillia Naturalists’ Club is thrilled to announce the results of the 2023 Christmas Bird Count, a testament to the dedication and passion of our participants and volunteers.
Despite a slight decrease in the overall bird count from last year, this year’s count has set new records and revealed fascinating insights into the avian diversity of our region.
Key findings
Total birds counted: An impressive 11,220 individual birds were tallied during this year’s count, showcasing the abundance of avian life in our community.
Species diversity: This year, the count yielded an all-time high of 68 different species, surpassing last year’s count of 62. The diversity observed is a testament to the varied ecosystems.
New species records: Eight new species records were established this year, highlighting the dynamic nature of our local bird population. Notable records include the mute swan with 35 individuals (last record, 10 in 2017), white-winged scoter with eight individuals (last record, four in 1993), and American goldfinch with an impressive count of 654 individuals (last record, 578 in 2021).
Matching records: Three species matched their previous records, including the northern harrier (two individuals), merlin (one individual), and song sparrow (two individuals), reflecting the consistent presence of these species in our area.
Notable misses: While our counters diligently surveyed the region, some species were notably absent this year, including the sharp-shinned hawk, American kestrel, white-throated sparrow, and evening grosbeak.
The Orillia Naturalists’ Club extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to make this event a success. The Christmas Bird Count is not only a celebration of our local birdlife but also a reflection of the strong community spirit that defines the Orillia Naturalists’ Club.
President Denis Paccagnella expressed appreciation, stating, “Our annual Christmas Bird Count is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to appreciate and document the rich birdlife in our region. We are grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved.”
These results will contribute valuable data to ongoing bird conservation efforts and help us better understand the health and dynamics of our local bird populations. The Orillia Naturalists’ Club looks forward to building on this success in future bird counts and continuing to foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
For more information about the Orillia Naturalists’ Club and upcoming events, please visit orillianaturalistsclub.ca.
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