Owen Sound Field Naturalists January Column
Submitted by John Dickson
The following is an excerpt from the Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN)December 2025 column.
Here are some excerpts from recent Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) in the area, as organized by regional ‘Compilers’ who have kindly shared some of their CBC count reports with me. A sampling of their observations follows here:
Owen Sound CBC: On December 14th, 41 participants tallied 6,425 individual birds of 57 species. Unusual species from this year’s count included a Ring-necked Duck, a Carolina Wren, and several Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds. Many species were seen in lower numbers this year compared to usual. Surprisingly, however, even more species were seen in higher numbers than usual, including Redhead, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Bald Eagle (which set a new record for the count this year), American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and several species of finches. The irruption of certain northern species of finches we’ve been seeing this winter are likely due to food shortages in the north. (Erik Van Den Kieboom, Compiler)
Neyaashiinigmiing CBC: The 15th Neyaashiinigmiing CBC was also held December 14, with inclement weather as well as illness resulting in several last-minute cancellations, and only 10 participants ultimately covering the circle. Results: a record low species total of 31, well below the average of 40. The 710 individual birds counted was also a record low, and well below the average of 1,062. Notable misses included Common Merganser, Ruffed Grouse (first ever miss), Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove, and Golden-crowned Kinglet (first ever miss). Despite their presence elsewhere on the Saugeen Peninsula this winter, no winter finches were recorded. American Goldfinches were present in average numbers. (Jarmo Jalava and Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno), Compilers)
Wiarton CBC: The 52nd Wiarton CBC was held December 21, with 24 participants and one feeder watcher tallying 53 species. The total of 3,917 individual birds was above the overall average of 3,767, but well below the recent ten-year average of 4,983 and less than half the record total of 8,628 set in 2023. Only one record high species total was recorded: Dark-eyed Junco (105, previously 102). Other good finds included a Gadwall, an Iceland Gull, a Golden Eagle, a Merlin, White-winged Crossbill and a Common Grackle. Winter finches were limited to White-winged Crossbill (2), Redpoll (43), Pine Grosbeak (23) and Evening Grosbeak (113). As noted, American Goldfinches were present in above average numbers (351). The small House Finch population persists in Wiarton, with a relatively high tally of 16 individuals this year. (Jarmo Jalava, Compiler)
In closing, and as one who first had the pleasure of hiking a section of the Bruce Trail in August of 1970, (from Walters Falls to Inglis Falls), I would like to acknowledge here, the passing of Dr. Philip Gosling, who was the last co-founder of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, when he passed away on December 3, at the age of 97. His conservation leadership earned him several honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary degree from the University of Guelph.
Gosling’s tremendous legacy is also celebrated in these evocative words: By the “…sparkling white cliffs and blue vastness of Georgian Bay we hikers enjoy this, the most spectacular stretch of the Bruce Trail… When we trek back from the bay, we silently thank the hikers and conservation groups who fought for the Bruce Trail, making it possible to follow this great escarpment from Queenston to Tobermory.” from The Heart of the Country, (which I borrowed recently from our wonderful library OSNGUPL), written in 1988 by Fred Dahms (also now in his 90s), Professor Emeritus, founding member and former Chair of the Department of Geography, University of Guelph, and Illustrated by his wife Ruth.
To learn more about OSFN, including the Young Naturalist Club, please visit https://owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca/
