Gavia
Well-known member
Northern Winter Birding Season 2008-09 - Update #2
25 January 2009
Here is the mid-season update for the 2008/09 Winter Birding Season for Canada, Iceland, and the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon. Winter is defined as the months of December through February, both for relative convenience, and to match the seasonal avifauna reporting periods as defined by the journal "North American Birds".
We have yet to convince any U.S. state to join the fray, nor any northern European country, though after the recent dump of snow on London British birders might well be convinced to participate.
In Canada, after the moderate temperatures at the start of the season, winter clamped down rather harshly from coast to coast to coast, and early hopes for record-breaking totals quickly gave way to the mid-winter resignation that can only be cured by a week-long escape to warmer climes.
But there have been rarities to reward indomitable birders, and the rarest bird so far recorded remains the Black-tailed Gull in British Columbia, the first Canadian winter record. But all provinces have enjoyed the unexpected, and I invite you to read below, and encourage you to also visit their respective web pages.
I present below the various totals and highlighted species for all ten provinces for the 2008-2009 winter season, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. Links to all the winter birding pages are, of course, provided.
PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST:
Newfoundland: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p (updated 11 Jan)
134 species. Highlights: Blue-winged Teal (2nd winter record); Northern Lapwing; Greater Yellowlegs (1st winter record); Franklin’s Gull; 2 Slaty-backed Gulls; 2 Yellow-legged Gulls; Red-bellied Woodpecker (5th provincial record); Ovenbird.
Newfoundland can always count on wild winter weather, but despite this provincial birders have found a remarkable array of birds, including 14 gull species. A major influx of Ivory Gulls in mid-January continues the excitement already generated by an impressive list of rarities. This winter’s total already surpasses that of last year.
Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter (updated 25 Jan)
203 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Manx Shearwater (1st winter record); Tundra Swan (2nd winter record); Green Heron (1st winter record); Osprey (1st winter record); Sora (1st winter record); Semipalmated Plover (3rd winter record); hummingbird sp. (2nd winter record): 2 Western Kingbirds; Hermit Warbler (4th provincial record, 2nd in winter); 2 Grasshopper Sparrows, LeConte’s Sparrow (7th provincial record, 2nd in winter); Brewer’s Blackbird.
Despite the province receiving an average of two major storms a week this winter, offering a roller-coaster of alternating rain and snow, liberally mixed with ice pellets and freezing rain, and always accompanied by gale-to-hurricane force winds, most Nova Scotia Christmas Bird Counts enjoyed reasonable weather. Accordingly many species were added to the winter list, helping propel the total above the long-term average, and into the 200+ territory for just the third time. The stormy weather was followed in mid-January by a severe cold snap.
Several teams attempted to each reach 100 species during the winter within Halifax Regional Municipality, and the first team managed to do so by Dec. 19. Their progress can be monitored here: http://tinyurl.com/winterhrm
Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter (updated 19 Jan)
95 species (average = 118). Highlights: Sandhill Crane (1st winter record); Ivory Gull (1st winter record); Varied Thrush (2nd provincial record); House Finch (1st winter record).
The harsh winter weather has made driving rather treacherous, and consequently the reduced observer effort has kept the provincial species total well below average, unlike in the neighbouring Maritime provinces, where totals have reached long-term averages. Even with half the winter left to find the “missing” species, it is unlikely that PEI will come close to an average total.
New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 14 Jan)
161 species (average = 162). Highlights: Black Vulture; Spotted Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Eurasian Collared-Dove (2nd provincial record, 1st in winter); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1st winter record); Say’s Phoebe; Marsh Wren (1st winter record); Painted Bunting (1st winter record).
New Brunswick has done well to reach its long-term average despite a stormy winter, and this was achieved with the discovery of many fine rarities. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo was more surprising but the Painted Bunting was more popular. The Eurasian Collared-Dove continues to delight observers, as it has been present for many weeks.
Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter (updated 7 Jan)
163 species (average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Tundra Swan (1st winter record); Ross’s Goose (2nd winter record); Great Egret (1st winter record);Ross’s Gull; Laughing Gull; Eastern Phoebe; Red-headed Woodpecker (2nd winter record); Marsh Wren; American Pipit; Black-and-white Warbler (1st winter record); Wilson’s Warbler (2nd winter record); Dickcissel (2nd winter record).
Quebec birders slogged through some messy weather (and a messy provincial election) to find a nice variety of rarities, bringing the winter’s total within reach of the long-term average.
Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter (updated 24 Jan)
194 species. Highlights: American Avocet; Pomarine Jaeger; Blue-headed Vireo; Northern Parula; Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler (< 10 provincial records); Spotted Towhee (< 10 provincial records).
Notwithstanding the challenging weather Ontario birders have managed to find 12 species of warbler (plus an “Audubon’s” Warbler if you keep track of future splits). The deep freeze that descended in January will make it difficult to increase the total by much more, though they’ll likely surpass last year’s cold winter total.
Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter (updated 24 Jan.)
99 species (average = 99). Highlights: American Wigeon (1st winter record); American Black Duck (1st winter record); Harlequin Duck; Pied-billed Grebe (1st winter record); Double-crested Cormorant, Black-headed Grosbeak (< 10 provincial records).
Manitoba birders were able to locate 15 species of waterfowl before the deep freeze descended, which helped them reach their long-term average, despite the lengthy cold period in December and January. But there were few other rarities, which kept the totals from rising higher than average.
Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter (updated 09 Jan.)
98 species (average = 111) - Highlights: White-winged Scoter (1st winter record); Long-tailed Duck; Eared Grebe (1st winter record); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Mockingbird (1st winter record).
Twenty species of waterfowl gave Saskatchewan birders a great start on the winter list, but the deep freeze in late December through January shut off the bird taps, and as of this writing the provincial total is well below its average, with little prospect of getting close, though it would be nice if they could reach the round number of 100. Some winter annual sparrows and icterids are still missing, so there is hope.
Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter (updated 24 Jan.)
136 species (average = 141). Highlights: American White Pelican; Sora (1st winter record); Eastern Towhee (3rd provincial records, 2nd in winter); Chipping Sparrow (2nd winter record); Golden-crowned Sparrow (1st winter record).
As with the other prairie provinces Alberta birders were able to locate a good variety of waterfowl before freeze-up, 28 species in all. And 4 species of gull also made the list. But a number of “expected” species have yet to appear, especially in the sparrows and icterid families, so Alberta birders will have to work hard to reach an average total.
British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter (updated 19 Jan.)
222 species (average = 250). Highlights: Solitary Sandpiper; Black-tailed Gull (1st Canadian winter record); Costa’s Hummingbird (<10 provincial records); Black-throated Gray Warbler; Prairie Warbler (<10 provincial records, first winter record); Hooded Warbler (<10 provincial records, third winter record); Black-headed Grosbeak.
Poor British Columbia. The Wet Coast. Lotusland. Weather Wonderland of Canada. The coastal cities of Vancouver and Victoria experienced a true dose of Canadian winter weather, which simultaneously provided a shock to B.C. residents and unbridled glee among all Canadians that reside east of the Rockies. B.C. birders must have been filled with dismay – how else to account for the lowest winter species total in memory, with even the long-term average looking out of reach? And there really weren’t that many rarities discovered. Still, birders can take comfort from the crocuses and tulips blooming before the end of January, and Cherry blossoms in February.
Other Reporting Regions:
French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter (updated 19 Jan.)
83 species (average = 84). Highlights: Snow Goose (3rd winter record); Wood Duck (3rd winter record); Hooded Merganser (2nd winter record); White-rumped Sandpiper (3rd winter record); Ivory Gull (3rd winter record); Black-backed Woodpecker (3rd winter record).
Given such as stormy winter as the region has been experiencing it should come as no surprise that SMP has had trouble achieving a high total, though they have nearly reached their long-term average. Still, more was hoped for this winter as December started out rather softly. Birders there will be fortunate if the species total reaches 90.
Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter (updated 24 Jan.)
83 species. (average = 91) Highlights: White-tailed Eagle; Water Rail; Eurasian Woodcock; Eurasian Curlew; Common Snipe; Bar-tailed Godwit; Meadow Pipit; Goldcrest.
Take 25 species of waterfowl, 12 of shorebirds, and 12 of gulls, and you have more than half of Iceland’s current total of 83, still below their average however. It is still an impressive effort, however, especially when you realise that it represents the combined efforts of just 10 birders. Add in the short hours of daylight, and the total seems even more commendable.
Other Resources:
Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html
Reference: What is Winter Birding?
In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of weather during the winter, winter birding has become a very popular activity. The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter Birding remains popular today. The winter birding period comprises the three months of December through February, matching the reporting period of "North American Birds".
"For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, it basically involves a frenzied search during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as many late migrants as possible before the onslaught of usually more severe weather conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus, it gives us birders something to do for the three slowest birding months of the year other than sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at least, a winter list is great for maintaining birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums that tend to creep up mid season."
- Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan
Good (winter) birding,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
[email protected]
White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada
Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"
author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://tinyurl.com/birdingns
“A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it, especially in the North. . . . Winter is on, the air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and invigorates; pure, crisp and health-giving. Those who have not travelled in the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or tramped on showshoes in the Winter forest, where the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no matter what they may have seen and done, life still holds something for them that they should not miss. Not every country has these things and I, for one, say we are fortunate.”
- Grey Owl
25 January 2009
Here is the mid-season update for the 2008/09 Winter Birding Season for Canada, Iceland, and the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon. Winter is defined as the months of December through February, both for relative convenience, and to match the seasonal avifauna reporting periods as defined by the journal "North American Birds".
We have yet to convince any U.S. state to join the fray, nor any northern European country, though after the recent dump of snow on London British birders might well be convinced to participate.
In Canada, after the moderate temperatures at the start of the season, winter clamped down rather harshly from coast to coast to coast, and early hopes for record-breaking totals quickly gave way to the mid-winter resignation that can only be cured by a week-long escape to warmer climes.
But there have been rarities to reward indomitable birders, and the rarest bird so far recorded remains the Black-tailed Gull in British Columbia, the first Canadian winter record. But all provinces have enjoyed the unexpected, and I invite you to read below, and encourage you to also visit their respective web pages.
I present below the various totals and highlighted species for all ten provinces for the 2008-2009 winter season, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. Links to all the winter birding pages are, of course, provided.
PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST:
Newfoundland: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p (updated 11 Jan)
134 species. Highlights: Blue-winged Teal (2nd winter record); Northern Lapwing; Greater Yellowlegs (1st winter record); Franklin’s Gull; 2 Slaty-backed Gulls; 2 Yellow-legged Gulls; Red-bellied Woodpecker (5th provincial record); Ovenbird.
Newfoundland can always count on wild winter weather, but despite this provincial birders have found a remarkable array of birds, including 14 gull species. A major influx of Ivory Gulls in mid-January continues the excitement already generated by an impressive list of rarities. This winter’s total already surpasses that of last year.
Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter (updated 25 Jan)
203 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Manx Shearwater (1st winter record); Tundra Swan (2nd winter record); Green Heron (1st winter record); Osprey (1st winter record); Sora (1st winter record); Semipalmated Plover (3rd winter record); hummingbird sp. (2nd winter record): 2 Western Kingbirds; Hermit Warbler (4th provincial record, 2nd in winter); 2 Grasshopper Sparrows, LeConte’s Sparrow (7th provincial record, 2nd in winter); Brewer’s Blackbird.
Despite the province receiving an average of two major storms a week this winter, offering a roller-coaster of alternating rain and snow, liberally mixed with ice pellets and freezing rain, and always accompanied by gale-to-hurricane force winds, most Nova Scotia Christmas Bird Counts enjoyed reasonable weather. Accordingly many species were added to the winter list, helping propel the total above the long-term average, and into the 200+ territory for just the third time. The stormy weather was followed in mid-January by a severe cold snap.
Several teams attempted to each reach 100 species during the winter within Halifax Regional Municipality, and the first team managed to do so by Dec. 19. Their progress can be monitored here: http://tinyurl.com/winterhrm
Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter (updated 19 Jan)
95 species (average = 118). Highlights: Sandhill Crane (1st winter record); Ivory Gull (1st winter record); Varied Thrush (2nd provincial record); House Finch (1st winter record).
The harsh winter weather has made driving rather treacherous, and consequently the reduced observer effort has kept the provincial species total well below average, unlike in the neighbouring Maritime provinces, where totals have reached long-term averages. Even with half the winter left to find the “missing” species, it is unlikely that PEI will come close to an average total.
New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 14 Jan)
161 species (average = 162). Highlights: Black Vulture; Spotted Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Eurasian Collared-Dove (2nd provincial record, 1st in winter); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1st winter record); Say’s Phoebe; Marsh Wren (1st winter record); Painted Bunting (1st winter record).
New Brunswick has done well to reach its long-term average despite a stormy winter, and this was achieved with the discovery of many fine rarities. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo was more surprising but the Painted Bunting was more popular. The Eurasian Collared-Dove continues to delight observers, as it has been present for many weeks.
Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter (updated 7 Jan)
163 species (average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Tundra Swan (1st winter record); Ross’s Goose (2nd winter record); Great Egret (1st winter record);Ross’s Gull; Laughing Gull; Eastern Phoebe; Red-headed Woodpecker (2nd winter record); Marsh Wren; American Pipit; Black-and-white Warbler (1st winter record); Wilson’s Warbler (2nd winter record); Dickcissel (2nd winter record).
Quebec birders slogged through some messy weather (and a messy provincial election) to find a nice variety of rarities, bringing the winter’s total within reach of the long-term average.
Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter (updated 24 Jan)
194 species. Highlights: American Avocet; Pomarine Jaeger; Blue-headed Vireo; Northern Parula; Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler (< 10 provincial records); Spotted Towhee (< 10 provincial records).
Notwithstanding the challenging weather Ontario birders have managed to find 12 species of warbler (plus an “Audubon’s” Warbler if you keep track of future splits). The deep freeze that descended in January will make it difficult to increase the total by much more, though they’ll likely surpass last year’s cold winter total.
Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter (updated 24 Jan.)
99 species (average = 99). Highlights: American Wigeon (1st winter record); American Black Duck (1st winter record); Harlequin Duck; Pied-billed Grebe (1st winter record); Double-crested Cormorant, Black-headed Grosbeak (< 10 provincial records).
Manitoba birders were able to locate 15 species of waterfowl before the deep freeze descended, which helped them reach their long-term average, despite the lengthy cold period in December and January. But there were few other rarities, which kept the totals from rising higher than average.
Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter (updated 09 Jan.)
98 species (average = 111) - Highlights: White-winged Scoter (1st winter record); Long-tailed Duck; Eared Grebe (1st winter record); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Mockingbird (1st winter record).
Twenty species of waterfowl gave Saskatchewan birders a great start on the winter list, but the deep freeze in late December through January shut off the bird taps, and as of this writing the provincial total is well below its average, with little prospect of getting close, though it would be nice if they could reach the round number of 100. Some winter annual sparrows and icterids are still missing, so there is hope.
Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter (updated 24 Jan.)
136 species (average = 141). Highlights: American White Pelican; Sora (1st winter record); Eastern Towhee (3rd provincial records, 2nd in winter); Chipping Sparrow (2nd winter record); Golden-crowned Sparrow (1st winter record).
As with the other prairie provinces Alberta birders were able to locate a good variety of waterfowl before freeze-up, 28 species in all. And 4 species of gull also made the list. But a number of “expected” species have yet to appear, especially in the sparrows and icterid families, so Alberta birders will have to work hard to reach an average total.
British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter (updated 19 Jan.)
222 species (average = 250). Highlights: Solitary Sandpiper; Black-tailed Gull (1st Canadian winter record); Costa’s Hummingbird (<10 provincial records); Black-throated Gray Warbler; Prairie Warbler (<10 provincial records, first winter record); Hooded Warbler (<10 provincial records, third winter record); Black-headed Grosbeak.
Poor British Columbia. The Wet Coast. Lotusland. Weather Wonderland of Canada. The coastal cities of Vancouver and Victoria experienced a true dose of Canadian winter weather, which simultaneously provided a shock to B.C. residents and unbridled glee among all Canadians that reside east of the Rockies. B.C. birders must have been filled with dismay – how else to account for the lowest winter species total in memory, with even the long-term average looking out of reach? And there really weren’t that many rarities discovered. Still, birders can take comfort from the crocuses and tulips blooming before the end of January, and Cherry blossoms in February.
Other Reporting Regions:
French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter (updated 19 Jan.)
83 species (average = 84). Highlights: Snow Goose (3rd winter record); Wood Duck (3rd winter record); Hooded Merganser (2nd winter record); White-rumped Sandpiper (3rd winter record); Ivory Gull (3rd winter record); Black-backed Woodpecker (3rd winter record).
Given such as stormy winter as the region has been experiencing it should come as no surprise that SMP has had trouble achieving a high total, though they have nearly reached their long-term average. Still, more was hoped for this winter as December started out rather softly. Birders there will be fortunate if the species total reaches 90.
Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter (updated 24 Jan.)
83 species. (average = 91) Highlights: White-tailed Eagle; Water Rail; Eurasian Woodcock; Eurasian Curlew; Common Snipe; Bar-tailed Godwit; Meadow Pipit; Goldcrest.
Take 25 species of waterfowl, 12 of shorebirds, and 12 of gulls, and you have more than half of Iceland’s current total of 83, still below their average however. It is still an impressive effort, however, especially when you realise that it represents the combined efforts of just 10 birders. Add in the short hours of daylight, and the total seems even more commendable.
Other Resources:
Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html
Reference: What is Winter Birding?
In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of weather during the winter, winter birding has become a very popular activity. The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter Birding remains popular today. The winter birding period comprises the three months of December through February, matching the reporting period of "North American Birds".
"For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, it basically involves a frenzied search during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as many late migrants as possible before the onslaught of usually more severe weather conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus, it gives us birders something to do for the three slowest birding months of the year other than sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at least, a winter list is great for maintaining birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums that tend to creep up mid season."
- Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan
Good (winter) birding,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
[email protected]
White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada
Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"
author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://tinyurl.com/birdingns
“A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it, especially in the North. . . . Winter is on, the air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and invigorates; pure, crisp and health-giving. Those who have not travelled in the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or tramped on showshoes in the Winter forest, where the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no matter what they may have seen and done, life still holds something for them that they should not miss. Not every country has these things and I, for one, say we are fortunate.”
- Grey Owl
