I hope everyone had a fine day of birding on their favorite Christmas
count today. I participated in the Washington DC CBC again this year, partly
in Maryland and partly in the district. The morning walk was at Oxon Hill
Farm as usual with John Bjerke and Jack Schultz (we missed you this year
Helen). Notable this year were seven species of ducks on Oxon Cove, a few
Pipits and Killdeer, and high numbers of Downy Woodpeckers, Field Sparrows,
and Song Sparrows. Lacking were Bald Eagles, only one was seen.
   In the afternoon I covered Anacostia Park again. The small strip of trees
and bushes along the Anacostia River opposite the Washington Navy Yard has
produced something exciting almost every year and today was no exception.
Among the wandering flock of sparrows and Cardinals were one Orange-crowned
Warbler and a male Prairie Warbler, the first I have ever seen on a local
CBC. Also in the park were a flock of Wild Turkeys and a Peregrine. The
latter flew in and perched on one of the light towers.
   Both Oxon Cove and the Anacostia River were mostly frozen but had large
patches of open water.

-- 
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD