Photo | Sandill Crane - Stu Mackenzie
The 64th Long Point Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on Saturday, December 14th, covering a 24-kilometre circle centered on the lighthouse south of St. Williams. Over 120 participants dedicated 154 hours to surveying the area, traveling 400 km by car and 140 km on foot.
A total of 40,556 birds from 112 species were counted, tying the fourth-highest species total in the event’s history. Notable counts included a record 9,512 Mallards and 10,044 Sandhill Cranes, the highest totals ever recorded. Rare sightings included a Brown Thrasher, last seen in 2007, and a Golden Eagle, the first since 2017.
Cold weather just before the count led to frozen ponds and wetlands, with temperatures around -4°C and brisk winds making it feel like -10°C. All in all it was a fairly typical December day at Long Point.
Since 1960, volunteers have counted over 1.75 million birds of 213 species. The event was supported by TD Friends of the Environment, Long Point Biosphere Region, and other community sponsors.
More details are available at https://birdscanada.mediavalet.com/portals/LPBO
Written by Jeremy Hall