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Birdwatchers had a "perfect day" for the annual Christmas Bird Count, which was held Dec. 15 by the Weyburn Nature Society. There were 16 participants in this year's bird count.

The number of bird species seen around Weyburn was up from the past few years, with 26 species reported.

In the last three years, the average was around 20 species.

The most common species was the lapland longspur at 300, the house sparrow at 267, the rock pigeon at 162 and the common red poll and snow bunting, both reported at 84.

Reported at average numbers were the sharp-tailed grouse at 44, the dark-eyed junco at 43, the house finch at 32, the ring-necked pheasant at 28, the black-billed magpie at 26, the horned lark at 20 and the common raven and red-breasted nuthatch at 10.

Unusual species spotted were the snowy owl at nine, the eurasian-collared dove at seven, the bohemian waxwing, common grackle and American crow at six, the European starling at four, and the gray partridge and pine siskin at three.

Very rare species spotted included two merlins, two morning doves, two white-breasted nuthatches, one hairy woodpecker and one golden eagle.

It was reported that is unusual for morning doves to stay the winter, but a pair were spotted each day at two house yards, where feed is provided.
It was also positive to see the ring-necked pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse numbers are increasing again, since being hit hard by the 2011 flooding. It was surprising though to see so few grey partridge.

The common red polls seem to come in two-year cycles and this is a good year to spot them.

The Christmas Bird Count is held across North America each year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. One day is picked by each area taking part in the event, counting all species and numbers of birds that are seen.

In addition to the bird count, participants note mammals that they spot in the area. White-tailed deer and eastern fox squirrel were the most spotted. There were tracks of the white-tailed jack rabbit, and sightings of bob-tailed squirrels and a coyote.

The bird count was conducted in an area of 15 kilometres around Weyburn.

Participants either drive through a designated area, or report on species that feed at their feeders. Another bird count is done in the spring.