The 59th Minden Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, December 14th. A total of 35 field observers and 24 feeder-watchers participated in the event. Conditions were good with mostly clear skies, temperatures between -18C and -9C, a gradually increasing N wind (5-20 kph) throughout the day, and a snow depth of 30-60 cm. Overall, natural food in the woods was scarce, concentrating most birds near feeding stations. The low water levels and freezing temperatures caused many areas that are normally open at this time of year to ice up, decreasing the waterfowl diversity and abundance. Overall, a total of 33 species were found (well below the 20 yr average of 46.1) and 3355 individuals (again, well below the 20 yr average of 4263). The most noteworthy birds were the 3 additional species tallied during count week.    All the birds found were expected species, and none were new to the count.   Count highs: Bald Eagle (26; previous high of 14 birds in 2017. 14 birds were observed simultaneously at the local landfill, with other scattered sightings throughout the circle) Rock Pigeon (306; previous high of 292 birds in 2020)   Count Lows or Misses: American Black Duck (3; lowest since 1996 when 2 birds were tallied) Common Merganser (0; observed every year since 1983) Ruffed Grouse (1; lowest tally in the history of the count!) Brown Creeper (0; observed in 54/59 counts) Golden-crowned Kinglet (0; observed in 50/59 counts) Northern Cardinal (0; observed in 17/20 of the latest counts) Common Redpoll 0; observed in weeks prior to count)   Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak (50) Evening Grosbeak (545) Pine Siskin (1) American Goldfinch (183)   Count Week: Black-backed Woodpecker (1; observed on the 15th) Winter Wren (1; observed on the 15th) Northern Cardinal (1; observed on the 16th)   Happy holidays to all!   Cheers,   Ed Poropat