Persistence Pays–20 Jan (Daily Report)

For weeks I’ve been looking at every Canada Goose flock flying past my yard, looking for a small, short-necked version of a Canada Goose.  I just checked on eBird.  I’ve counted at least 3,278 Canada Goose from my yard so far this year.

This morning I got a late start.  My kids needed some help, so by the time I got outside the geese were already moving.  I walked around the corner to get my scope from my car–and a flock of Canada’s was flying past over my neighbor’s yard.  I quickly got my bins on them.  The third bird back in the group was 2/3 the size of the others, with a short neck and more pointy wings–Bingo!  Cackling Goose (Code 3)!

Good things come to those who wait.  Though waiting can be a real pain! I like to think it was good karma for putting my kids first.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (20 Jan 2015) Not a great shot, but lucky to get it in the short time it was visible in the tree.

However you choose to see it, it was a highlight.  I also managed to get some shots of a Sharp-shinned Hawk that popped up for less than a minute in my side yard.  I spent most of the day listening to the OldBird 21c microphone while I worked inside.  Hoping to hear redpolls going over.  No dice.  Yet.  But we’ve got a lot of year left, and I’m going to be here.  Watching and waiting!