In Hamilton’s annual Christmas bird survey, a rare sighting of an orange-crowned warbler was reported by volunteers. Bob Curry, a participant in the event, spotted the warbler near Woodland Cemetery on the peninsula at Carroll’s Point in Hamilton Harbour. Curry described the bird’s distinct features, including a greyish head, a pale streak near the eye, and a crescent-shaped eye ring, noting the rarity of such a sighting in Ontario.
The Christmas bird count, organized by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, has a long history dating back to 1921. Data collected during the event will be submitted to the National Audubon Society for further analysis. Rob Porter, the bird study group director at the club, emphasized the significance of spotting the orange-crowned warbler, as it is not commonly seen in the region during winter.
During the count, a total of 94 bird species were observed, with some uncommon sightings. Notable findings included 12 hermit thrushes, breaking a previous record. Additionally, the count recorded 13 common ravens, which first appeared in Hamilton in 2003.
Among the sightings were 26 Carolina wrens, the lowest count since 2005, and a record count of 211 trumpeter swans. The most populous species observed was the Canada Goose, with 5,664 sightings. The annual Christmas bird count, following a tradition that began in New York City in 1900, takes place within designated count circles between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5.
This year’s count circle extended to parts of Burlington, Ont., where unique sightings like a gray catbird in Duncaster Park were reported. The event offers valuable insights into bird populations and behaviors in the region, contributing to conservation efforts and scientific research.