2023 May Bird Count
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The 2023 Count included 163 identified species and 12,617 individual birds on 133 checklists. An additional 805 birds were counted and identified to species group, mostly gulls and ducks. Thank you to everyone who participated and made our Count a success!
Participants used a variety of strategies on the Count weekend: counting in their yard, sitting in a city park, walking through an urban natural area or visiting one of the outlying hotspots in the region. Covering these various habitats helps to get the entire spectrum of species we’re trying to record.
Red-winged Blackbird photo by May Zhou
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Top Three - species reported on the most checklists:
American Robin on 88 checklists, Yellow Warbler on 85 checklists and Red-winged Blackbird on 85 checklists.
American Robin on 88 checklists, Yellow Warbler on 85 checklists and Red-winged Blackbird on 85 checklists.
Least Seen - There were 30 species recorded only once!
These species included, but are not limited to, some of the raptors such as Peregrine Falcon (Vince Cottrell), Broad-winged Hawk (Brian Stephens), American Kestral (Ann Carter/John Jaworski), as well as waterfowl such as the Greater White-fronted Goose, Trumpeter Swan, White-winged Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye, all on the same checklist by Clinton Zaik at hotspot Hastings Lake.
These species included, but are not limited to, some of the raptors such as Peregrine Falcon (Vince Cottrell), Broad-winged Hawk (Brian Stephens), American Kestral (Ann Carter/John Jaworski), as well as waterfowl such as the Greater White-fronted Goose, Trumpeter Swan, White-winged Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye, all on the same checklist by Clinton Zaik at hotspot Hastings Lake.
New for the Count
Six new species not recorded in our previous count.
Six new species not recorded in our previous count.
Indigo Bunting, 1 reported by Sue Lentle
Very rare. Well outside its normal range. Pursued by many, found by one. In a neighbourhood park. Photo - Sue Lentle |
American Golden-Plover, 1 reported by both Bob Bowhay and Sheila Hale Unusual in the Edmonton area, a few travel through Alberta on the way to northern breeding grounds. Photo - Bob Bowhay
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4 Red Knots reported by both Sheila Hale and Bob Bowhay - at Murray Marsh along with the Am. Golden-plover
Unusual in the Edmonton area, a few travel through Alberta on the way to northern breeding grounds.
2 Northern Rough-winged Swallows found by Wayne Oakes - Whitemud Park
“These are my first sightings of this species at this location. Today I observed a considerable presence of Barn, Bank, and Cliff Swallows along with these two Northern Rough-winged.” Checklist comments - Wayne Oakes
1 White-winged Crossbill by Harry Stelfox - MacTaggart Sanctuary
More often found in the Edmonton area during the winter months.
1 Canada Warbler by David Grinevitch and Andrew Ross - in a neighbourhood park while looking for the Indigo Bunting!
Canada Warblers can be a little more difficult to find than other warblers due to their declining populations and a more northern breeding distribution.
X Great Grey Owl No details are available as this is a sensitive species.
Unusual in the Edmonton area, a few travel through Alberta on the way to northern breeding grounds.
2 Northern Rough-winged Swallows found by Wayne Oakes - Whitemud Park
“These are my first sightings of this species at this location. Today I observed a considerable presence of Barn, Bank, and Cliff Swallows along with these two Northern Rough-winged.” Checklist comments - Wayne Oakes
1 White-winged Crossbill by Harry Stelfox - MacTaggart Sanctuary
More often found in the Edmonton area during the winter months.
1 Canada Warbler by David Grinevitch and Andrew Ross - in a neighbourhood park while looking for the Indigo Bunting!
Canada Warblers can be a little more difficult to find than other warblers due to their declining populations and a more northern breeding distribution.
X Great Grey Owl No details are available as this is a sensitive species.
Two potential hybrid birds
1 Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid) - Clinton Zaik
"Details; white on scapulars minimal and clearly boxed off like Barrow’s, but no black spur over shoulder." |
1 Mallard x Northern Pintail (hybrid) - Gerald Romanchuk
Proportions and plumage pattern are a mix of Mallard and Northern Pintail, including a long tail. |
Additional Count details including all the shared checklists may be found at https://ebird.org/tripreport/134763
Many counters don’t take time for photographs or just snap quick record shots when possible, it’s the nature of the event. All shared photos are greatly appreciated!
1 Black-crowned Night-heron, reported on 1 checklist
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5 Bobolink, total reported on 2 checklists
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11 White-faced Ibis, total reported on 2 checklists
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Red Knot photo by Shelia Hale
Some of our surprising misses where: Cinnamon Teal, Eurasian Collared-Dove and Semipalmated Plover. Maybe next year!
Details for participating in the 2024 Count will be available next spring.
Results from the previous year HERE.