My planned early start from Fort Frederick State Park was foiled by the park not opening until 10am.  As a result, I spent time driving around some back roads and saw a Peregrine Falcon chasing a flock of starlings along Dam#5 Road.  In a field across from the Park I saw 15 Wild Turkeys which were not disturbed by my car, but wouldn't stick around while I retrieved my camera from the back of the car..
 
There were two large unfrozen holes in Big Pool, mostly occupied by Canada Geese, but also by 8 Common Mergansers, about 2 dozen Black Duck and an equal number of Mallards.  There were a few Lesser Scaup, and in the most westerly hole 4 Canvasback and one Redhead.  I believe the total of Geese came close to 1000 (I wrote down 900) and also believe that there were at least 2 Cackling Geese among the westerly bunch.
 
The rest of the towpath produced a scattering of whitethroats, cardinals, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches and one winter wren.  Also some bluebirds, a lot of the expected woodpeckers, including one sapsucker.  
 
sue hamilton
in Clear Spring for the weekend  ---
but I am assured that the Rufous Hummingbird fed frequently in my absence