Posting for Dale Smith doc0013@icloud.com 2025 Prince Edward Point Christmas Bird Count Twenty-three keen citizen scientists braved the early hours of December 20 to take part in the forty-ninth Prince Edward Point Christmas Bird Count. The count circle is centred on Waupoos Island in Prince Edward Bay and stretches along the shoreline from Point Traverse in the Prince Edward National Wildlife Area to the Bay of Quinte near Adolphustown. The day began cold at –7 °C but gradually warmed to –2 °C, with light winds throughout. While snow was almost entirely absent, glare ice made conditions tricky on unmaintained roads, escarpment lanes, and across the bays and streams. Participants recorded 63 bird species on the count day, which is slightly below the long-term average of 68. When count-week sightings were included, the total increased to 69 species. The total number of individual birds observed was 6,547, notably lower than the average of 30,089. This decrease can be attributed to icy waterways and the effects of the previous summer’s drought, which reduced natural food sources. Despite these challenges, there were positive highlights: the Bald Eagle count continued its upward trend, with 21 individuals noted. Noteworthy species observed during the count week included American Goshawk, Pine Siskin, Iceland Gull, and Brown-headed Cowbird. For several teams, observing four distinct woodpecker species was a memorable highlight. The tally included 14 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 27 Downy Woodpeckers, 12 Hairy Woodpeckers, 8 Pileated Woodpeckers, and 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers! Sincere thanks are extended to all the volunteers whose enthusiasm and commitment ensured the success of the count. Special recognition goes to team leaders John Licharson, Barry Pinsky, Amy Bodman, Ketha Gillespie, Greg Forbes, Joanne Dewey, Mikayla Stinson, and feeder watcher Pamela Stagg. Dale Smith