COVID or not, the 2020 edition of the Whitehorse Christmas Bird Count went pretty well for local birders.

More than 50 participants saw 28 species on Boxing Day according to preliminary totals, which were considered a “pretty decent day” according to participants.

“We had 28 species, which is one more than last year, and consistent with the normal 25-30,” count compiler Jim Hawkings said. “The most we have ever had is 33.

“I still need to build a huge spreadsheet with all the numbers from each observer, but from a quick glance I would say the most unusual species was the Steller’s Jays. 

“This was no surprise, as they have been around in numbers since late September, but we have only had them on three of 40 previous Christmas counts, and never more than one bird. This year I think there were about 10 seen – one participant saw four!” Hawkings said.

Last fall’s irruption – local migration – of the Pacific coast birds was first noticed in September and October with dozens, if not hundreds, of the birds turning up all over the Yukon.

Such an invasion happens periodically when the species has a particularly good breeding year. It’s believed the young birds migrate out of their traditional range looking for food and space.

The number of participants was also up this year.

“We had 51 participants...maybe a few more, even. That’s a record; the previous high was 45 a couple of years ago,” Hawkings said.

“No doubt, more people not going away for the holidays this year and also looking for things to do outside because of COVID.”

Other highlights of the day included more than 30 bald eagles, many of them around McIntyre Creek and its wetlands.

There’s a well-known roost in the area, although the team assigned to the location arrived a little too late to catch the main flight at sunrise.

At least two American robins were seen, one along the Yukon River and the other, a healthier-looking bird, sighted in Crestview.

Every winter, a few robins try to survive the season in the Whitehorse area, but Hawkings said few manage the feat.

One participant caught a look at an elusive northern goshawk clutching a squirrel in its talons.

A three-toed woodpecker and a single red crossbill were seen in the Riverdale area. American dippers – unusual semi-aquatic songbirds – were spotted near Rotary Peace Park along the river.

A feeder near Fish Lake yielded all three species of chickadees found in the Yukon – black-capped, boreal and mountain – along with two dark-eyed Juncos.

A lone spruce grouse was seen somewhere on Grey Mountain, while Fish Lake produced a single willow ptarmigan.

Normally, the area has flocks of the winter-white birds at the lower levels, but Hawkings said they can be elusive to spot.