This year’s count was held on Saturday, December 18. Lakes were open but snow started between 9 and 10 in the morning and, with the snow and wind, visibility became challenging. However our nine teams were up to the challenge. We had 58 species, one more than last year and a total of 6905 individual birds, down from 8719 last year.  First time species was one Ruby-crowned Kinglet. New records for Trumpeter Swan 158 versus previous high of 95 in 2020, Red-breasted Merganser 20, previous high was 5 in 2020, Red-necked Grebe 6, previous high 3 in 1994 and 2009, Red-bellied Woodpecker 11, previous high 10 in 2018 and American Goldfinch 578, previous high 559 in 1996. A big thanks to all involved in this year’s successful count! Fern Splichal Compiler for Orillia Christmas Bird Count Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS