Welcome to the FOURTH Annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids! …did you remember to bring your umbrella? – A. Bryant

We didn’t have a huge turn-out, but the smiles were big and the hot chocolate was greatly appreciated! – A.Bryant

A scene seldom photographed: This is Wys Creek in full flood – A.Bryant

Hmmm…not a lot of birds about…but put young Henry in charge of the spotting scope, and another smile is guaranteed and less to carry, he he – A.Bryant

When that email reminder says “dress for the weather”… we mean it! – A. Bryant

Brrrrr….– A.Bryant

We saw just one solitary, but rather cooperative, Black Turnstone – A.Bryant

There were several Varied Thrush skulking about, like this guy tucked away in the undergrowth – A.Bryant

A few Glaucus-winged gulls were airborne…– A.Bryant

…but most seemed to prefer taking some “down” time…– A.Bryant

Harlequin ducks weren’t plentiful on the water, so we made full use of Clyde’s secret stash… – A.Bryant

Perhaps we should rename this event: “Christmas Bird Count for Kids and the truly young-at-heart”? I suspect John’s already looking forward to it… – A. Bryant

4th Christmas Bird Count for Kids

by Andrew Bryant, 6 December 2015.

It was a dark and stormy morning, with sideways rain and gale-force winds.

Attendance was perhaps the lowest ever recorded for a Young Naturalist event, but I like to think that young Henry and his dad (our two guests) appreciated the day.  I know that I did!

Our species list was also pretty short:  Glaucus-winged Gull, Mew Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Bald Eagle, Crow, Black Turnstone, Varied Thrush and Dark-eyed Junco.

Many thanks to Janet, who put all the pieces together to make it happen, and to Heather, Clyde, and John, who make any day in the field worthwhile.