Nicole Gruslin

Christmas Bird Count 2025/26

By Thomas Moore

This year’s 35th Brome Lake Christmas Bird Count (and 126th Audubon count) took place on December 27 after a one-week postponement due to weather and icy road conditions a week earlier. Thirty-six volunteers participated, with 3 field parties and 24 observers at feeders.

Weather was cold and mostly clear and no driving problems were encountered.

Results and observations

1669 birds were reported, an increase of 600 over last year; however the number of species was 30, down by 3.

A Bohemian Waxwing perched among red berries on a branch, showcasing its distinctive yellow and black markings.

Evening Grosbeaks were sighted at 13 different locations, unusually high for the Lac Brome count, in contrast with the absence of other winter migrants (Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, Crossbills). Another oddity was the sighting of 62 Bohemian Waxwings, a northern species seldom seen this far south.

With Brome Lake frozen over (as was Lake Memphremagog at Knowlton Landing) ducks and geese were expected to be scarce but 393 Mallards were spotted clustered at the lake outlet in Foster along with six Hooded and one Common Merganser, seven Black Ducks and three Canada Geese.

The wintering Mallards took top place for the most numerous species tallied, followed by the Chickadee (270), Blue Jay (170), Evening Grosbeak (120), and Mourning Doves (115). While Wild Turkeys seem to be everywhere, only 75 were spotted on count day.

A pleasant surprise was the large numbers of Cardinals (40) and Tufted Titmouse (17), both species having been gradually increasing in number over the past few years.

A red-bellied woodpecker perched on a tree trunk, showcasing its distinctive red cap and patterned black and white feathers.

Climate change

The variability of climatic and environmental conditions from year to year across the continent makes these count numbers impossible to compare on a yearly basis. Many reports indicate significant drops in many bird species populations in recent years.

The analysis by Audubon/Cornell and Bird Studies Canada of the thousands of Christmas Bird Count reports covering all of North and Central America is an important input to the understanding of environmental issues.

Thanks to everyone who participated despite the postponement disruption. If you have any questions give me a call at 514-946-2445 or email at thomasw.moore@yahoo.ca.