Two rare birds were spotted at this years125th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
This year about 140 field counters took part, in addition to 15 feeder watchers in an area that encompassed a part of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, the Tri-Cities, Langley, and Surrey.
One of the rare birds that was spotted was a California scrub jay, documented by a feeder watcher.
"This bird has only been seen on the count 8 times since 1972," explained Jennifer Tayes, local count organizer.
The other rare bird was a rufous hummingbird – which, noted Tayes, has never been seen on the count.
"Unlike the Annas hummingbirds the rufous all migrate south so it is almost unheard of to see one in the winter," explained Tayes.
This year a total of 159 birds were spotted, and 94 different species, including sightings of: the golden-crowned kinglet; the Cooper's hawk; the ruby-crowned kinglet; the hooded merganser; the white-crowned sparrow; the mourning dove.
And, for the first time on the count this year there were more cackling geese spotted, compared to Canada geese.
The cackling goose looks very similar to the Canada goose, but their necks and bills are shorter.
"And, instead of the usual “honking” sound of a Canada goose it has high pitched squeak, yip and cackle," explained Tayes.
Tayes noted the weather was not too bad for the count this year, being overcast with a slight drizzle throughout the day. The weather, she added, can play a big part in whether the count is successful or not. Some years it was so rainy and foggy counters couldn't see more than 10 metres away and couldn't see the small birds. Other years the snow was so deep counters couldn't drive to their count site, she said.
Tayes thanked all the volunteers who took part this year, and is hoping to have even more for next years count which will take place on Saturday January 3, 2026.
