Munster - Richmond - Manotick (ONRI) CBC Dec 18th, 2021 - 6th count year *Overall:* The total species count this year – 58 species – was surprisingly high given the poor weather and lack of a finch invasion. In fact the count week total of 64 species was a record high, 1 higher than in 2020. Overall abundance of birds was 23% lower than in 2020, with 14,742 birds reported. Still, 23 new abundance records were set, including 2 species new to the count and another 2 species were reported for the first time in count week. The all-time ONRI species list now stands at 75 species, 81 when including count week reports. *Weather:* Unlike last year, the weather was tough on both participants and birds. Temperatures were moderate (-4.2 to -6.7), but a cold NE wind blew throughout the day (15 to 32 km/hr) with driving snow beginning after lunch. The result was that many participants retired early – birding parties dropped from 27 in the morning to 17 in the afternoon – and just 25% of effort (time and distance) was expended after noon. The impact on birds counted was more dramatic, with only 15% of birds reported in the afternoon. And it appears that almost all species were found in the morning. Still, afternoon birding efforts did pay off for a few birds – Double-crested Cormorant, Eastern Bluebird and Bald Eagle were each reported only from the snowy side of noon, the former two species being new to the ONRI CBC count. *Firsts, Highs & Lows:* 2021 brought our first reports of Double-crested Cormorant, and Eastern Bluebird (a group of 6) on count day. Chipping Sparrow and Snow Goose were reported during count week, also firsts for the ONRI circle. Raptor numbers were generally high this year – record highs were reported for 3 hawks and 3 owls, with 1 falcon and a 4th owl tying their previous record highs. On the flip side, no Rough-legged Hawks, Kestrels or Harriers were reported on count day. Robin numbers were dramatically higher this year than in the past, with 230 reported vs a high of only 44 in past years. The abundance of wild grapes was likely an important factor, attracting large flocks of birds in some sectors. Surprisingly, waxwing numbers were greatly reduced from 2020, with 31 Cedar and only a single Bohemian observed. The few misses were mostly as expected – no grosbeaks were found this year and only a single crossbill (Red), compared to the large numbers of these finches in last year’s invasion; redpolls were present but in much reduced numbers. Other misses included a lack of lingering Belted Kingfishers or Great Blue Herons, despite mostly open water along the rivers; Lapland Longspur and Horned Lark were also absent. *Looking Forward:* Save the date – *Count Day for 2022 will be December 17th. *We are optimistic we can re-introduce an in-person compilation meeting at the end of count day, where we can share our stories and results. A repeat message from last year – there is still room to find more Feeder Watchers for the count. *Thank You!* Count organizers Nina Stavlund, Tony Beck and Pete Blancher thank Derek Dunnett, Tobi Kiesewalter, Erik Pohanka and Jeff Skevington for their leadership in ONRI sectors. *A big thank you* to all participants for your help in 2021, regardless of how much time you were able to contribute!