Jan. 14 - 70

Not a terrible number, but definitely should be further along. A few rarities help with the likes of a Surf Scoter, Black Scoter and Long-tailed duck which have been residing in a reservoir not too far away from my home.

Surf Scoter

My son looking…

An afternoon outing yesterday brought along a Fox Sparrow darting in and out of the rabbit brush along a trail we were walking. In the lake nearby we also spotted a female ruddy duck along with many Mergansers, Bufflehead, Mallards, Wigeon and Shovelers. As we stopped to observe all the ducks in the lake, I quickly spotted what I think was a Rough-legged Hawk flying overhead. My soon to be 12-year-old begs to differ, but from the underneath feathers of what I claim to have seen looked strikingly like a Rough-legged. Sometimes this is a common occurrence between birders. The difference of opinion. But it does make for wonderful discussions between my son and I as we both explain our reasons and opinions for what we have seen. Sometimes you only get a quick glance at something either with your own eyes, camera, binoculars, scope, etc., which makes for fun discussions afterwards. In most cases, I usually let him be the deciding factor.

We’ve been really appreciating the nice winter we have been having. It makes for many little birding adventures without it being too cold and snowy to venture out into the wonderful habitats of birds.

The trail along the lake

Eagle Watch Lake

Eagle Watch Lake

The trails along the lake

Melinda looking…