Thunder Cape Bird Observatory
2005 Annual Report

The Thunder Cape Committee met twice during the year. Continuing committee members are Nick Escott, Al Harris, Sue Bryan and Brian Ratcliff. Mark Conboy joined the committee in 2005 and Warren Mazurski resigned. Cam Snell, MNR liaison, retired from Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the spring, and his place on the committee was taken by George Holborn. Late in the year it was decided to add Bruce Stonehouse to the committee, since we needed a member from the TBFN Executive.

John Woodcock, our Coordinator, was again in charge of the program in 2005. Spring migration coverage started April 27, and continued through June 11. During the summer John once again participated in the MAPS program at Thunder Cape. Fall migration coverage started August 1 and continued through October 26. In addition to John, 21 volunteers contributed a total of 385 volunteer days. These volunteers came from Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Ottawa and as far away as England and France.

As usual, data were collected according to strict protocols developed by the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network, and were submitted to Bird Studies Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Detailed accounts of each migration monitoring season, including lists of volunteers and financial supporters, were (spring season) and will be (fall season) published in Thunder Cape News, which is distributed twice a year to TCBO members. Membership is $10 per year, and can be combined with TBFN membership.

Ticks were collected from captured birds for two separate research studies investigating Lyme Disease.

Accommodations for the Coordinator have become unsatisfactory since the room he has been occupying, being close to the sauna, has developed a mold problem. An application for a Trillium grant was submitted in 2005, for operating costs and site improvements, but we were unsuccessful.

Income for 2005 was mainly from donations, memberships, CWIP grant, Baillie Birdathon, and Bird Studies Canada, and totaled $7,595. Total expenses were $6,534, these were primarily cabin repair and maintenance, and equipment included in our income and expenses this year were $1,392.87 donated for John Woodcock's Costa Rica project. Our cash balance at December 31 was $3,926.93.

We are starting a fund-raising drive for about $20,000 to purchase materials for a new cabin for the Coordinator, to be located at the site of the wood shed. Any contributions from TBFN members will be greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to TBFN and are tax deductable.

Respectfully submitted,
Nick Escott
Chairman, TCBO Committee