Evening Grosbeak male, Priddis Count

Yesterday, 22 December 2018, was the very first Priddis Christmas Bird Count. We unofficially tallied 28 different species, 520 individuals. Twenty participants turned out for this Count, which was great. The most impressive part, though, was that a 15-year-old (in Grade 9) decided to organize a Count for this area. Great initiative - well done, Gavin! You certainly have a huge knowledge about birds.

We split up into various groups and basically drove wherever we chose within the boundaries of the Count circle. The start time was 8:30 am and we ended roughly around 4:00 pm. This whole area is the area I usually drive to when I need to get out for just a few hours - which doesn't happen very often these days, unfortunately. That really needs to change next year, if possible.

One of our stopping places was at Barb Castell's. She has a great collection of bird feeders in the garden on her acreage and has a good variety of birds coming to feed each day. Seeing Evening Grosbeaks was a real treat. Thanks so much, as always, Barb, for letting us invade your property : ) Always much appreciated. Ha, I discovered that taking photos through a window that has a fine netting over it, did not work, at least not with my camera. Just about managed to rescue a handful of the shots. When we all had to come inside to shoot, it did allow all the birds to fly down and feed, though. What a glorious, colourful sight. Evening Grosbeaks always make me smile, because the males, especially, tend to tilt their head and have such an angry look on their face. Sadly, their Status is Vulnerable.

"The scientific name, Hesperiphona vespertinus, means “sound of the evening,” although the idea that they are mainly crepuscular is mistaken. They were apparently first named by French explorers who probably first observed them in the twilight hours. They should actually be called the Morning Grosbeak." The alternative scientific name is Coccothraustes vespertinaus.

ornithology.com/the-evening-grosbeak/

With so many birders getting on in age, it is always a delight to see any young person who is passionate about our feathered friends. Hopefully, Gavin's success will encourage other youngsters to get involved.