It was a cold but enjoyable weekend of birding. I mostly had the usual suspects, with a couple of exceptions. First thing Saturday morning, I went to Wickham Lake, where I found a Common Loon, always a favorite. Afterwards, I hit the Black Dirt Region; I enjoyed being out in the fresh snow, but found only the expected species. Then, on Sunday morning I headed back out to Highland Lakes State Park to try for the Ruffed Grouse again (I can’t help myself!). It was super cold out (9 degrees Fahrenheit), but I still managed to enjoy a nice walk around the park. Of course I had no luck with the grouse, but I did score with a beautiful puffed up Hermit Thrush; I believe this is only my second Hermit Thrush in Orange County this year. I also hit the Newburgh Waterfront on Sunday, but had just the usuals.
~Hermit Thrush at Highland Lakes SP, 12/22/24.~
