Thunder Cape Bird Observatory
2008 Annual Report

The Thunder Cape Committee met three times during 2008. continuing committee members are Sue Bryan, Allan Gilbert, Al Harris, George Holborn and Brian Ratcliff. Nick Escott and Brian Moore were re-appointed to new 3 year terms at the January 2008 meeting. Sue Bryan acted as the TBFN executive representative.

John Woodcock, our Coordinator, was again in charge of the program in 2008, along with his wife Maureen. Spring and fall migration coverage were as usual with 11 volunteers in the Spring and 15 in the Fall, for a total of 391 volunteeer-days. volunteers came from as far away as Newfoundland, 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. A report from the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network on the last 10 years will soon be released by Bird Studies Canada. Detailed accounts of our own migration monitoring season, including lists of volunteers, and financial supporters, are published in Thunder Cape News, which is distributed twice a year to TCBO members. Membership if $10 per year, and can be combined with TBFN membership.

In the Spring 3,812 birds of 90 species/forms were banded. Rare Spring bandings included a White-winged Dove (first ever), a Prairie Warbler, a Field Sparrow and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. A pair of Bald Eagles built a nest on Hare Island, our newly acquired TBFN reserve, displacing 300 Herring Gulls that used to nest there. In the Fall 3,521 birds of 100 species/forms were banded, which was one of the lowest numbers in the history of the Cape. Rarities banded included a Townsend's Warbler (first ever), a House Finch, a Wood Thrush and three Boreal Owls (first since 2000). A first year Herring Gull banded as a nestling near Marquette, Michigan was recaptured at Thunder Cape in late August.

The TCBO Committee ran its 2nd TCBO Baillie Birdathon in which 14 new birders contributed $50.00 or more to accompany an expert birder in a day's tour of various birding spots in and aroung Thunder Bay. This new program, and general increased interest in the Baillie Birdathon, has increased TBCO's share of the fundraising from about $700 in 2006 to $1m286 in 2007, and $1,573 in 2008. The 40% balance is retained by Bird Studies Canada. Many thanks to our experts: Leslie Curthoys, Nick Escott, Brian Ratcliff and Allan Gilbert.

Respectfully submitted,
Allan Gilbert
Chairman, TCBO Committee