Robins and Horned Larks!

When I dropped Dave off at work one day this week, there were more than twenty Robins in the fruit trees out front, They were there when I picked him up at the end of the day as well. This was the most numerous group I've seen in quite awhile.

And this morning there was approximately eighteen Horned Larks at Oakville Executive Golf Courses. Again, a large group that we haven't seen since last year.

Also of note, we had a Grackle at the feeders this past week. Unusual for this time of year, but with the mild winter we're having, I think this kind of sighting must not be uncommon.

A reminder that next week is the Great Backyard Bird Count. If you don't have backyard birds, you can visit another spot regularly over the course of the four days and submit your sightings. Give Mother Nature and Science a helping hand!

Of note from the latest BSC newsletter:
New Report on Raptor Population Trends

2 February 2012 – The Raptor Population Index (RPI) has released a new report showing that the majority of North America’s 26 species of migratory raptors (a group that includes hawks, falcons, kites, ospreys, harriers, eagles, and vultures) are either recovering or in stable condition. Unfortunately, the American Kestrel is a stark exception. Long-term declines of this tiny, colourful falcon continue to alarm conservationists, who are calling for increased efforts to monitor populations and identify causes of the decline.
RPI is a cooperative partnership among four leading raptor and conservation organizations: Bird Studies Canada, Hawk Migration Association of North America, HawkWatch International, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Select this link to read a press release about RPI’s new continent-wide assessment of population trends. Full results, including conservation status reports and an online resource featuring easy-to-read maps of population trends for each species, are available on the RPI website.

Dave and I see a Kestrel perched on the wires along Hwy 25, near the 407 almost every morning on our drive to his work. Otherwise, they are not one we see often at all. Hopefully there will be a recovery effort. I'll take "Things for which people are to blame, for 100, please Alex."