Hey Everyone,

Hope you're all staying warm and that the birding withdrawal hasn't been too severe. Our feeders have been exciting for the last two days, including several especially enjoyable moments. When I realized how attractive the light was this morning, I decided to set up my camera gear and just sit still in a chair near the feeders. While enjoying the great light on our juncos and towhees, I was thrilled when an immature Cooper's Hawk flew in and landed almost too close to photograph. Ever so slowly, I panned to the bird, hoping desperately that it wouldn't immediately fly away, which is pretty much always the case. It didn't fly. It tried several perches and then spent about 30 minutes just preening and watching the feeders with me. It was a very nice consolation for yet another weekend of winter birding blocked by snow!

I hope you enjoy!
http://www.billhubick.com/photos/updates/20100207.php

Other highlights:

780+ Canvasbacks on Rock Creek on 2/6
also 160 scaup, 3 Common Goldeneye, and 28 Ruddy Ducks
(The creek is nearly completely frozen today.)

Unusual winter yard visitors included a Ruby-crowned Kinglet visiting our suet feeder, our second-ever Hermit Thrush, and our continuing Brown Thrasher. Expected birds were in impressive numbers.

Of our marauding flock of 750+ Common Grackles, I was surprised to see that more than half of the flock was Bronzed Grackles. Although they are regular in our winter flocks, this was my largest Bronzed-heavy flock. I felt comfortable estimating the Bronzed count at 400 birds.

Good birding,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com