Wintry weather arrived with a blast on Thanksgiving weekend, with heavy snow, which caused widespread damage to trees and shrubs in many areas. Many trees and shrubs had been stressed by a couple of dry summers, and produced large quantities of seed in response. Christmas Bird Count compilers’ conjectures fell into two broad categories, either the birds had plenty of natural foods to eat and weren’t as visible as usual, or they had abandoned the area en mass, but nearly all agreed numbers were on the low side. Bill Walley, former compiler of the Dauphin count, commented he had never seen such a poor count and this was certainly a reflected theme. Twenty-one counts were held this year, with no changes from last. Brandon put on a great show and topped the species count with 43. Usual leader Winnipeg was second with 40, followed by Pinawa-Lac du Bonnet with 37, Oak Hammock Marsh at 33, with Cypress River-Spruce Woods and Carman tied at 31 for fifth place. At the opposite...