Chirps and Cheeps

On Friday, I participated in my second Christmas Bird Count of the season. Celeste was in charge of the Oak Orchard count and Barry, his grandson, Gavin, and I assisted her. We lost Barry's and 10 year old Gavin's company at lunchtime; a count can be a long day for a young birder!  Gavin was very impressive, however. He really knows his birds and his young ears helped put us on a bird several times.  By the time he and Barry left, they had each gained a life bird - Gavin getting three, I believe!

Highlights of the count included a Northern Mockingbird, Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, an American Kestrel, a Northern Harrier, a fly-over of a Pileated Woodpecker, some close views of a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets, 2 Eastern Screech-Owls, and, on my way home, a Short-eared and 2 Snowy Owls.  The second Snowy was a fly-by as I was driving. It was the first time I've seen one fly and, as I pulled over to the side of the road, I watched and was awed...