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More species seen in second annual bird count

Wilson’s warbler spotted in Ladysmith a rarity in the winter; this is a male varied thrush
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Feeder birds recently by Doole Road marsh, Yellow Point. There’s a California quail and three species of sparrows (white-crowned, golden-crowned & juncos). (Photo by Rob Hay)

More species of birds were discovered this year in the second Ladysmith Christmas bird count that includes a portion of the Chemainus area on Dec. 19, 2021.

“We found 92 species this year, up from 85 last year, but with fewer participants – 18 roaming (versus 25 last year) and nine solely at feeders,” noted Dr. Bob Hay of Cassidy, the organizer of the event and compiler of the data.

Some species of birds are probably wishing they hadn’t stuck around this area the way the weather has been going. But conditions were decent on the day of the count with a temperature of 4 Celsius, some morning drizzle and light winds.

“To enhance our results, I even took the ferry with my family as a ride-along to Thetis and Penelakut Islands,” added Hay.

Highlights of the count included: three black ducks (continuing on Doole Road marsh), one eared grebe (Yellow Point), one male ring-necked pheasant (Cassidy), one marsh wren, two evening grosbeaks, two dunlin and one male Wilson’s warbler (Ladysmith).

A white-throated sparrow and two immature snow geese were also spotted during the count week. Hay noted there were no crossbills, shrikes or kestrels seen this year, though.

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Male varied thrush in Cassidy, taken after the count. (Photo by Bob Hay)
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Male Wilson’s warbler, very rare in winter, seen at 509 Louise Rd. in Ladysmith. (Photo by Liam Steele)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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