2000 Thunder Bay District
Birding Highlights
In 2000 a total of 245 species were reported from Thunder bay District by members and friends of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists. This compares well to the average of 244 species over the past 15 years. Over this time period the total number of species has varied from a low of 232 in 1986, to a high of 254 in 1995. Two new species were added to the checklist this year (see below), bringing the total to 341 species (this total includes 4 extinct/extirpated species).A. Regular Species
Of the 228 species that are considered to be regularly occurring in Thunder Bay District, 223 were reported in 2000. The five species not seen were Ruddy Duck, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Sedge Wren and Marsh Wren. Red-headed Woodpecker hasn't been reported since 1995.B. Rare Species
In 2000, there were 22 rare species reported, down from 27 last year. Many of these were identified at the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory. The additions to the checklist in 2000 were Yellow-throated Warbler and Trumpeter Swan. A recognizable photo of the warbler was obtained by Mary Vancook, and photos of the swan were taken by Wally Zarowski. These latter photos have been sent to a swan expert for an opinion, since differences between Trumpeter and Tundra Swan can be subtle. The warbler photo has been sent to the Ontario Bird Records Committee (OBRC). The OBRC has still not made a final decision on last year's Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Details of most of the rare bird sightings have been published in Nature Northwest.C. Exotics
None were reported this year.Breeding Bird Atlas
The second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is starting this year and we need volunteers to help cover a large area stretching from Lake Superior and the US border up to the Albany River. You will be assigned a square (10 km) or a block (100 km) and will have 5 years to survey the area to determine which birds are breeding there. Please let me know if you are interested in taking part.I wish to extend my thanks to all those who report their bird sightings to me.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Escott
