Thunder Bay birders spy bald eagles, ruddy duck and eastern towhee species

A wildlife biologist in Thunder Bay says there were some interesting sightings in this year's Christmas bird count.

Sightings of more rare species included the ruddy duck and the eastern towhee, Brian Ratcliff told CBC News.

He noted that it's thought global warming is behind some southern species becoming more common sights in the area, like the northern cardinal and the red-bellied woodpecker.

"These are southern species that are now pushing farther north," Ratcliff said.

"We've got a population of northern cardinals that are staying in Thunder Bay now, versus 20 years ago, [when] they were a really hard find here."

As for the number of species seen, Ratcliff said it looks like it will be an average year, with about 50 species counted. The record for Thunder Bay is 58.

Ratcliff said birders also managed to capture a record number of sightings of bald eagles in Thunder Bay.

The Christmas bird count has been held in Thunder Bay on Boxing Day since 1939.

Ratcliff said the citizen survey is important because it can reveal long term trends in bird populations, but it also endures because it's a fun holiday tradition. 

"To get out on Boxing Day and just get out and walk and explore and see what's actually around is really invigorating," he said.

"It's just a nice way to end the year off and then start a new year."