Sixth Annual 
Christmas Bird Count Roundup 
1986-1987 period 
Astrid and Bruce Di Labio 
Over the years, the Ottawa-Hull count has dominated the 
local Christmas Bird Count scene. This year, however, the glory 
was more evenly distributed. A combined total of 84 species was 
recorded, with Ottawa-Hull listing 67, Pakenham-Arnprior 53, 
Dunrobin-Breckenridge 50, and Carleton Place 44. This is the 
second highest combined total since the Christmas Bird Count 
Roundup began in 1981-1982. The total individual count was 
46,272, down from last year's 59,878 and only 75 species. Many 
participants reported that the woods were very quiet and most 
activity centred around the feeders. Three of the four counts 
recorded new species, and all broke a number of records. 
The weather conditions are always an important factor in 
determining the outcome of any count. For example, blizzard 
conditions on the 1985 Dunrobin-Breckenridge Count severely 
curtailed activities, resulting in an exceptionally low count. 
The overall weather conditions during this count period (Decem¬ 
ber 18 - January 4) were mild with very little snow. The only 
complaint was the ice storm that struck the Ottawa area on 
Christmas Eve, leaving icy conditions and thus making walking 
and driving difficult in some areas. Thousands of trees and 
branches snapped under the weight of the ice. The Pakenham- 
Arnprior and Carleton Place Counts had to contend with these 
conditions. Due to the mild weather, usually frozen streams and 
creeks were open, leaving no access to some areas. A few soak¬ 
ers attested to that. 
The Ottawa-Hull Count was held on December 21, 1986. Mild 
conditions through most of December left the Ottawa and Rideau 
Rivers open more than usual. But even with nice weather condi¬ 
tions, 103 field observers and 90 feeder watchers, only 67 
species were recorded, compared to last year s 66 species. For 
the first time since 1970, no three-toed woodpeckers were noted, 
but one new species was recorded, an adult Common Black—headed 
Gull found by Ian Jones at Deschenes Rapids. This represents 
only the second accepted record for the Ottawa District. The 
first record was made at the old Ottawa Dump (off the Borthwick 
Ridge Road in Gloucester) on September 27, 1975, during a fall 
bird count by Stephen O'Donnell and Collin Griffiths. Other 
highlights included 15 Iceland Gulls, 100 Great Black-backed 
Gulls (reflecting mild weather conditions), 18 Pileated Wood- 
100 
