27th Annual East Fork Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, January 2nd was the 27th Annual East Fork Christmas Bird Count. This is my favorite of the two Cincinnati area counts that I participate in. (I only live about a mile outside of the circle)

I got a late start, so I wasn't able to do much owling. It was very cold and windy, and I wasn't able to call in any owls. (I had count week CW on Eastern Screech-owl).

Despite the cold, it turned out to be a very good day! (Most of the birding was done from the warm vehicle :-)

Here are some photo highlights from the day:

The first Red-headed Woodpecker of the day. We saw 20 more before the end of the day!

A little side-note: Most of the Red-headed Woodpeckers that we got I called in by making a sound that they can't seem to resist. You can make this sound by making a fist and blowing into it like playing a trumpet - make sure your lips are closed. If done right, they will respond within seconds.

One of the Rusty Blackbirds

Leucistic or piebald Northern Cardinal. Isn't this a cool looking bird?!