January Deep Freeze

Frost on our back door

Much of North America is experiencing a blast of Arctic air and we are not exempt here in south-western Ontario. Temperatures are in the minus double digits and strong north winds have created wind chills in the minus twenties. I opened the door early yesterday morning and was greeted by a lovely canvas of frosty designs on the window of the storm door. I remember an attic bedroom I once shared with my brothers. The windows were thick with feathery frost designs for much of the winter. I liked the idea of Jack Frost doing his work while I slept and his visits were far more welcome than the other monsters who occupied dark corners of the large room.

I have decided to step up to Larry's annual challenge and do a January bird count this month. Last year I was off work recovering from surgery and spent many wonderful hours birding. I counted 61 species and would be very surprised if I achieved that this year with my busier schedule. On January 1st we visited my brother and his family at their new home in Barrie Ontario. They have feeders set up and back onto a conservation area. Bird watching through their kitchen windows was warm and easy. I added the first eleven birds to my count.

January along the river

Yesterday I bundled up for -23C temperatures and went for a walk along the river near a water treatment plant. The warmer discharged water keeps the river open in this stretch and many water birds over winter here. High bluffs protect the river side trail from north winds so it was relatively comfortable to walk for an hour or so in the sunshine. I added some expected birds to the count and then amongst the many Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks, spotted one male Hooded Merganser. I have not seen these birds on the river here before. My count went up to 22.

Hooded Merganser and Canada Goose

Today the wind has really picked up and the sun is gone. I have filled the feeders here but it is too cold for the trails. I will set my goal at 45 birds for the month and it may take a trip to the shores of Lake Ontario to get that number.