For the past several New Year’s Days in Virginia, I have been up before dawn, swaddling myself in layers of warmth and waterproofing, and heading out to meet fellow birders for the Christmas Bird Count. Our small legion of citizen scientists joined thousands of like-minded volunteers across America and Canada that count every bird they see or they hear in one day. This century old survey has helped scientists study the long term health of bird populations.
I had to break with this beloved tradition this year. We now live in New Hampshire where I am not yet associated with the local groups. I heard from birder friends in Ware Neck VA that the weather was balmy at 65˚ today for the count. I hope the day was enjoyable and the counts were high.
Chilly could describe the 45˚ temperatures in New Hampshire today. No birding this year but it was a good day for the great out of doors and getting in touch with nature. The milder weather attracted a large number of kayakers and spectators to the annual New Year’s Day Merrimack Valley Paddlers River Run, paddling the icy rapids of the Winnipesaukee River. Among those running the rapids was my son-in-law. Filmed by my daughter navigating Zippy’s Final Plunge, this might be called the wet, wild and wonderful way to bond with the natural world. I’m learning a lot about these New Englanders.
On my last day of Christmas at my parent’s place in Accomac, I saw four Sandhill Cranes fly in and pick at the discarded ears of corn on the ground. They are not supposed to be around here, but this was not their first winter there.
(I am all about kayaking, but that looks incredibly cold!)
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What a treat! The Eastern Shore is heaven for wildlife and people….
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We saw a red shoulder hawk while playing golf. We are missing you. Look for HGW news on FB since they have the new blog type available.
Patty R
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Will look for HGW news! I know The House & Home magazine needs photos, too.
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Egads ….your son-in-law is very brave! I haven’t been in a kayak in more than a year but being timid, calmer waters are more my style.
As for birds, there seem to be more eagles this year than past years, as well as turkey vultures.
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We saw several eagles on the drive to New Hampshire, too.
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Good grief! Where is the rescue helicopter? Is this what newlyweds do now-a-days…….?
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I’m afraid they both love extreme sports…
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Did Mike get sopping wet by the of the run? Are you going to do this next year? ha ha.
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We unloaded our kayaks today but we’re looking for warm weather, tepid waters and calm seas!
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