CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT REPORT 1980

The two annual Christmas Bird Counts organized by the P.E.I. Natural History Society once again turned out to be highly successful events. Despite the early arrival of winter in mid-November and the few weeks of bitter weather preceding the count dates, both counts turned in the largest species totals since T976.

The ninth P.E.I. National Park Count was held on December 20, a day of bright sun and bitter cold. The 4l species observed equal the l976 total and topped only by the 43 tallied in l973. However, the total of 2473 in- dividuals is the lowest ever recorded on this count. Lesser Scaup and White—Crowned Sparrow were two new species sighted

on this count.

The tenth Hillsborough Count took place on December 27, a

day of seasonable temperatures with sunny periods and snow flurries. The total of 37 species observed is higher than average, while the total of 4028 individuals is Tower than average for this count. Bohemian Wax— wing and Pine Siskin were two species not previously observed on this count.

Both count days concluded with very enjoyable and delicious pot-luck suppers. Thanks to all participants for braving the weather and helping to make both counts successful. Special thanks to Ann MacPhail and Diane Houston and to Winston and Eileen Johnston for hosting the after- count suppers. A welcome guest at the second gathering was Diane Griffin, president of the Canadian Nature Federation.

P.E.I. National Park Count December 20, I980, 4! species, 2473 individuals. Total party miles 342 ( 2.25 walking, 2.25 snowshoeing, 337 driving). Total

5.

party hours 49.25 C 2 walking, l.75 snowshoeing, 33.5 driving, 3 stationary). Species seen during the count period but not on the count day Canada Goose. Participants: David L. Carins, Winifred Cairns, Rosemary Curley. Jim Hamilton, Diane Houston,

Danny Johnston, Winston Johnston,

Norah Longworth, Karen Lowther,

Clare Martin, Kathy Martin, George .Mason, Gordon Pierce, John Wright,

Peter Wright ( l6 observers ) in 6 parties).

Great Cormorant l Double Crested Cormorant 2 Black Duck l96 Lesser Scaup 4 Common Goldeneye l33 Barrow‘s Goldeneye 6 Bufflehead l Oldsquaw 7 Black Scoter 45 Common Merganser l30 Sharp-shinned Hawk l Rough-legged Hawk l Ruffed Grouse 3 Ring-necked Pheasant l Gray Partridge l3 Great Black-backed Gull l8 Herring Gull 39 Ring-billed Gull .l Rock Dove 92 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 2. Horned Lark 9 Blue Jay l2l Common Raven 26 Common Crow 3T4 Black-capped Chickadee 47 Boreal Chickadee 9 Red-breasted Nuthatch l Northern Shrike l Starling l23 Yellow-rumped Warbler l House Sparrow 586 Evening Grosbeak 20 Pine Grosbeak l Pine Siskin TSO Dark-eyed Junco 89 Tree Sparrow 6 White-crowned Sparrow l White-throated Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 2 Snow Bunting 264

2473