Algonquin CBC 2026

The Algonquin Christmas Bird Count was very fun and somewhat devoid of species diversity (both to be expected), with myself getting food poisoning on the evening of the count only somewhat detracting from the whole experience. Although the number of species was low, it was made up for by the species that were seen, getting some good northern winter birds early on in the season. Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse, Evening Grosbeak, and Pine Grosbeak were all highlights, with notable misses being American Marten and all of the winter finches, which is not hugely surprising with it turning out to not be a great finch year. Another exciting success of the Algonquin CBC was the steadily increasing number of participants! We now have 13 participants, with Quinten Wiegersma, Liam Thorne, Genevieve Leroux, and Joey D’Attilio joining at the count, and Garrett Weese, Liam Hood-Hanlon, and Allison Gilligan joining afterwards. Some notable sightings by other members are: a smell only Fisher by Quinten the day after the count (not countable), a Northern Short-tailed Shrew by Joey, and a Barred Owl, Long-eared Owl and Harlequin Duck by Liam Hood-Hanlon and Allison.

Long-eared Owl - photo by Liam H-H

Harlequin Duck - photo by Liam H-H

Gadwall - photo by Allison G

Barred Owl - photo by Liam H-H

Northern Short-tailed Shrew - photo by Joey D

Dark-eyed Junco

Hairy Woodpecker

Blue Jay

Evening Grosbeak

Canada Jay

Red Squirrel

Spruce Grouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Evening Grosbeak

Ruffed Grouse