General News
Bird count finds 35 species
January 13, 2016
On Dec. 19, the Bancroft Field Naturalists surveying the area by vehicle and on foot, found 35 different species totalling 1,845 birds. Data from 10 feeder watchers are included.
The mild weather, thanks to El Nino meant that our waterways were mostly ice-free, providing good waterfowl viewing. We tallied an unprecedented 330, including common merganser, hooded merganser, common goldeneye, bufflehead, mallard and Canada goose. All the waterfowl species counts were record “high” for our count area.
As usual black-capped chickadee was the most abundant songbird at 294. Other high counts were rock pigeon 239, common raven 198, American goldfinch 161.
Raptors included bald eagle, three. red-tailed hawk, two.
Several bird watchers were asking “Where are the Blue Jays?” We counted 60, which is fewer than usual. Ron Pittaway with The Ontario Field Ornithologist has provided a probable explanation. He noted that large numbers of Blue Jays were seen migrating along the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, on the way south.
These large movements are linked to the size of tree nut crops. Acorn crops were spotty, beechnut crops failed in most areas, and hazelnut crops were average. Many species of birds will migrate to find a better food supply. Our count data are added to those of hundreds of other counts across the continent to provide a picture of the status of winter bird populations. This is a co-operative effort of Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society.
Bruce Collins, count compiler
Headline News
UPDATE: Canada Day celebration in Bancroft
Although there are no fireworks again this year, the Town of Bancroft has an exciting day of festivities planned downtown on Canada Day. The event ...
Call for provincial regulation of exotic animals growing louder
By Alejandra Cervantes In a world increasingly attuned to the rights and welfare of all living creatures, the issue of exotic animal protection has become ...
Reopening of McGeachie not dampened by rain
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The grand reopening of McGeachie Conservation Area thrilled attendees on June 22, with over a dozen folks coming ...
Community celebrates Bancroft Pride at Playhouse
By Bill Kilpatrick On Friday June 21 Juno award winning singer/rapper Stacey Kay and her band performed at the Bancroft Village Playhouse to celebrate Pride ...
Bancroft proclaims Sept. 21 as Peace Day
By Alejandra Cervantes In a heartening and significant move, the Town of Bancroft has officially declared Sept. 21, as Peace Day. This proclamation aligns with ...
Grand reopening of McGeachie Conservation Area June 22
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter McGeachie Conservation Area will be having its grand reopening on June 22 starting at 8:30 a.m., according to ...
Bancroft Sea Cadets have 53rd annual inspection
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Bancroft Sea Cadets, RCSCC Viking, had their 53rd annual inspection review at the Dungannon Recreation Centre in ...
Bancroft Brewing Company expanding in downtown core
By Bill Kilpatrick Bancroft Brewing Company is moving into the old McCaskie building in downtown Bancroft, but the road to get there has been anything ...
Education workers honoured at Inspiring Excellence Awards
By Nate Smelle On May 23, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board held its annual Inspiring Excellence Award Ceremony. Eight employees of the HPEDSB were ...
NH Hospital welcomes new Emergency Department physician
By Nate Smelle On Thursday, May 30, Hastings County and Quinte Health announced that their esteemed team of health care professionals at the North Hastings ...
