ARCTIC BAY/RANKIN INLET - Common ravens unsurprisingly topped this year's Christmas Bird Count, and the only other bird species spotted was three common eiders in Rankin Inlet.

The Christmas Bird Count takes place in more than 2,000 communities across North America between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Bird Studies Canada and the Audubon Society partner to co-ordinate the counts.

Arctic Bay's Clare Kines and another volunteer counted 207 ravens during two hours, down 51 birds from last year's count.

"We typically only see ravens. There are a couple of other species that we hope to see but they can be pretty hard to find," he said. "In terms of number, I think it's pretty much average."

Spending a couple of hours in early winter to count birds is something Kines said he enjoys.

"It's always nice to get out and take part in a little bit of citizen science. A bad day birding is better than a good day at work anytime," he said.

In Rankin Inlet, 89 ravens were spotted by lone compiler Brian Zawadski, an average number he said, as 74 were counted last year and 104 the year before.

But he also spotted, during his five hours counting, three common eiders, a low count considering 17 were counted last year and 25 the year before.

"Not a heck of a lot of difference from year over year, even the eiders. There wasn't anything unusual," he said. "I can't tell you if there is a direct link between the unusual weather and any of the sightings because there isn't any correlation at this point."

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