December 1st. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis).

 

 

 

 

 

One of a flock of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 3rd. A touch of snow remaining after last night's rain and snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 4th. A flock of American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoarfrost and temps in the 20s.

 

 

 

A male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) near the marsh outlet.

 

 

 

A female taking off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 5th. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) feeding on Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) berries.

 

 

 

 

 

It was 7 degrees this morning. I got to Norton's Pond around noon when it was 27 degrees.

 

I was lucky to see this immature Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) very high overhead. Fun fact: "leucocephalus" means white-headed.

 

Lousy pictures, I know, but enough to confirm the ID.

 

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) passing by high above the eagle...

 

...and much higher above, a commercial airliner shedding water vapor contrails.

 

December 6th. A male Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) near the beaver dam at the west end of the Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

Please excuse the digital noise and out of focus twigs in the way. It was a dreary morning of low light and sprinkles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 7th. Cold and frosty again.

 

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis).

 

 

 

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). One of many foraging on the trail margins, rarely still long enough for a photo.

 

November 9th. Five degrees at dawn. Twenties by the time I got to Grayville Falls around noon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 10th.