Yesterday evening my brother, Gary, & I had an opportunity to do a little birding in the park. We were somewhat surprised to find no waterfowl on Laurel Lake(maybe because of the construction machinery near the lake). We hiked down to the Beaver Pond & were pleased to find several gorgeous Hooded Mergansers, some Ring-necked Ducks & 9 Wood Ducks. We were unable to get an accurate count as they flushed as we approached the pond. Carolina Chickadees, Goldfinch, Downy & Hairy Woodpecker were also noted near the pond. I surely hope we have some of these waterfowl for the Breaks CBC on Dec.17th. DaveR/Breaks,VA