I made a quick spin around some of the usual birding spots in the 
District of Columbia this afternoon, December 24, looking 
particularly for waterfowl.

In the Tidal Basin I found a basic plumaged COMMON LOON, a 
PIED-BILLED GREBE and a female LONG-TAILED DUCK, the latter dozing 
with a small group of LESSER SCAUP.  A very large COOPER'S HAWK, 
presumably a female, zoomed overhead a few times.

The pond at Constitution Gardens was 90% frozen, with most birds 
congregated near the small open areas created by the aerating 
fountains.  Most notable was a male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 
associating with a few RING-NECKED DUCKS.  This whole pond will 
probably become ice-free over the next few days of mild weather, 
although I was surprised to find how thick the ice was along the 
sides.  The Reflecting Pool was totally frozen and bird-free (even of gulls).

A group of 150-200 LESSER SCAUP was off the seawall at Fort McNair, 
just above the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.

Happy Holidays to all.

Mike Bowen
Montgomery Bird Club
Bethesda, MD

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom