Chirps and Cheeps

A Photo Journal of My Birding Adventures & Observations

My birding blog site


  CBC - Oak Orchard

Published: December 28, 2013
Tags: General Observations, CBC, Christmas Bird Count, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Horned Lark, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Screech-Owl, Snowy Owl

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...

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Golden-crowned Kinglet

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American Tree Sparrow

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Snow Bunting

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Eastern Screech-Owl

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Snowy Owl

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Snowy Owl

Reply from: Larry on 12/29/2013 8:25 PM
 Beautiful photos of the Snowy Owl! I saw my first one this year but it was way off in the distance.I like the kinglet photo too.It's not easy to catch them when they're still and the golden crown is showing.
Reply from: Sue on 12/30/2013 8:09 AM
 Hi Larry, I just visited your blog – beautiful work – and I love the insights you add. And the photo of the Red-shouldered Hawk is gorgeous! Just curious – how did you find my blog way out here in Western New York?! Thank you for leaving a note! ~ Sue


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