Seven ML Birders met at the Nature Center parking lot on cold but sunny and windless day to begin the 36^th Annual Bird Census.  The garden area was not very productive but once we moved to the open area by Rushmore the bare tree branches held a nice variety of birds.  A Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch gave us nice looks and posed for photos. Lots of House Finches, Juncos and a few White-throated Sparrows, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mockingbirds and Downy Woodpeckers rounded out our list.  At the Medford Leas Way area of Rushmore we picked up three Bluebirds flying in and out of some ivy wrapping a tree trunk.

The section by the Woods Cottage held a few Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks on the creek by Camp Dark Waters.  We continued on the trails towards the canoe area hoping to get a Hermit Thrush.  This bird has appeared the last three or four years in the Holly Trees feeding on the berries.  As luck would have it the Hermit Thrush made its appearance in a Holly and not being an easily spooked bird just sat there letting everyone get a chance to see its rufous tail, distinctive eye ring and spotted breast. 

A Cooper’s Hawk was seen in a tree as we got near to the new construction site and another accipiter, judging by its size probably a Sharp-shinned Hawk, was spotted aloft as we walked through the berm area.  Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures completed the raptor count.  Our day ended with a huge flock of Canada Geese flying over the campus.  The biggest surprise of the day was the absence of the American Robin.  Only one was seen!

Participants:  Dino Fiabane, Holly Hoffman, Fred Kahan, Robert Koch, Miriam Swartz, Kathy Tarr and Willy Wallendal.

Photos by Robert Koch