Northwestern Ontario
1998 Christmas Bird Counts

The Thunder Bay Christmast Bird Count was held on Boxing Day, December 26, 1998. A total of 10785 birds of 52 species were recorded for the second highest species total ever. Four additions were made to the list: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, House Finch and Meadowlark (sp?). A total of 38 observers covered 614.25 party-miles.

The Atikokan Christmast Bird Count was held on December 21, 1998. Three field participants and a good number of feeder watchers tallied a total of 2601 individuals (new record) of 28 species. New high counts were 11 Bald Eagles, 89 Blue Jays, 678 Common Ravens, 313 Pine Grosbeaks, 315 Pine Siskins and 479 American Goldfinches.

The fourth annual Fort Frances Christmast Bird Count was held on December 20, 1998. The weather turned quite cold relative to last year's survey, but a record number of species (29) were observed. Highlights of the survey were a Northern Shrike, a Barred Owl and a record number of Bald Eagles.

The 22nd annual Marathon Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, Dec. 21. Thirteen field observers took part in seven parties plus three at feeders. Two new records were added to the Marathon list - Greater Scaup and Thayer's Gull. A total of 1744 individual birds of 30 species were recorded. The record is 2758 birds of 31 species from 1985.

The Vermilion Bay/Eagle River count produced 1748 individual birds of 31 species. The most notable was a Mute Swan in Eagle River below the dam at the sluice gates where there is open water. A Wild Turkey was also found.

The tenth annual Ignace Christmas Bird Count was held on Dec. 21, 1998. A total of 20 species were observed. A very unusual sighting of a Common Merganser was made by Kerry Rosin and George Williams who spotted one flying over West Beach Drive. When told the story at lunch, the three field birders who were not present to see the bird did not seem convinced. Then a passing motorist dropped into the restaurant with a merganser under his arm. The bird had been found walking down Highway 17. The lucky duck was taken to Thunder Bay to be released in the open water of Lake Superior. Another first for the Ignace count was a Northern Shrike at Sandbar Park.

The fifth annual Nipigon/Red Rock Christmas Bird Count produced 32 species, of which six were new to the count. They are White-winged Crossbill (26), Red Crossbill (5), Canada Goose (113), Northern Goshawk (10, Red-Tailed Hawk (2) and Barred Owl (1).
Other sightings included a Bohemian Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Shrike, 7 Mallards and numerous American Goldfinches.
26 adults and 10 children participated in the count.

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