While we were searching for the goose we were kept company by this interesting group of large bulls....
As we surveyed other areas throughout the weekend, we found that Tree Sparrows had put in in good numbers....
and a tree-ful of Cedar Waxwings had us looking for that one "different" bird....
No Bohemians were to be found, but a small group of hardy Bluebirds were at Coy's Brook in West Brookfield on Sunday.
And we found the usual large flock of Turkeys on Old Wickabog Road near the barn where the owners obviously keep them well-fed during the winter. 
Probably my highlight for the weekend was this great Red-shouldered Hawk we found right off Rt. 20 in Sturbridge -- just down the road from Bill & Nancy Cormier's wonderful store (The Bird Store and More).
It's always fun to check out the area before the Count, and you just hope that the birds you find will stay....unfortunately, they don't always cooperate. But it does give you a sort of "target list" since you do know what's around.The Sturbridge count is one of my favorites....it's local, we have the compilation in Bill & Nancy's store, and it's always before Christmas, so I can pick up one or two last minute gifts at the compilation!
Enjoy......Sheila
As always, fantastic photos. I am actually going to participate in my first Christmas Bird Count this year in Worcester at Broad Meadow Brook. I submitted my request and can't wait to hear back from the coordinator.
ReplyDeleteI looked at Stubridge as well but can't make it that day.
Have a great day.
How great you're doing your first Christmas Count. We'll be doing the Worcester one as well, so if you're at the compilation make sure you say "hi"
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