[va-richmond-general] 27th Annual James River Winter Count 17 January 2009

 Another great turn-out for the 27th annual James River Winter Count today. This was probably the  "chilliest" count in recent memory starting out at about 5 degrees at sunrise and soaring up to 14 by the time we met at Mary and Larry's for the compilation at 1030 am. Blue skies. bright sun and little to no wind made for a beautiful morning in the James River Park system. About 30 "extreme" birders turned-out. We tallied 66 species-down 6 from last year. Just about all the usual suspects were seen afloat or in flight. The owls made a good showing with reports of Great Horned, Screech and Barred seen. Bald Eagle and Red-Tailed Hawk also seen along the river. Large numbers of Bufflehead, Ring-necks and Canada Geese bobbed in the churning James. Single sightings of a Common Merganser and Green-winged Teal also joined the list of ducks.
 
Thanks to all who bundled up and birded this morning. As always big thanks to Mary Arginteanu and Larry Robinson for their hospitality in letting us warm up, chow down and share our tales of the day with old and new friends.
 
Julie Kacmarcik
Richmond Audubon
 

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