The 15th annual Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The count circle covers all of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation on the Saugeen Peninsula, as well as the Hope Bay peninsula and surrounding islands. Inclement weather (snow squalls, whiteouts, heavy winds) the previous day and overnight, as well as illness, resulted in several last-minute cancellations, with only 10 participants ultimately covering the circle. This was undoubtedly a key factor in the record low species total of 31, well below the average of 40 and the record high of 46 species in 2024. The 710 individual birds counted was also a record low, and well below the average of 1,062. It was a brisk day, with heavy snow flurries in the morning, and with bright sunshine predominating in the afternoon. Northwesterly breezes ranged from 10 kph to 14 kph. As is often the case, the presence of the Niagara Escarpment made for significant temperature disparities, with car thermometers showing -19°C at dawn atop the Escarpment, but significantly milder temperatures near Georgian Bay. Otherwise, temperatures generally ranged between -13°C in the morning, rising to near -10°C in the afternoon. Georgian Bay and flowing waters were mostly open, but standing water was generally frozen. Snow depth ranged from ~15-20 cm. No new species were added and there were no additional count week species. Notable counts included: Canada Goose (4 individuals, average 1.5, and only the fourth count), Ring-billed Gull (15 individuals reported among the American Herring Gulls at the Nawash dump, average 4.5 individuals, sixth count). Notable misses included Common Merganser (found on 10 of 15 counts), Ruffed Grouse (first ever miss, count average 7.1 individuals), Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove (both found on 11 of 15 counts), and Golden-crowned Kinglet (first ever miss, average 8.5 individuals). Despite their presence elsewhere on the Saugeen Peninsula this winter, no winter finches were recorded. American Goldfinches were present in average numbers. Chi Miigwetch to the Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) community, including the folks who welcomed birders to watch their feeders, for hosting this always special birding event. And a big thank you to ten enthusiastic volunteers. Happy Holidays! Jarmo Jalava and Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno)