December Nature Happenings

• Project FeederWatch continues, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
• Christmas Bird Count is this month, birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
• Watch for Bald Eagles along the rivers.
• Beaver mating season.
• Rather than search for worms in the frozen soil, large winter flocks of robins will visit fruit trees for food.
• Cedar Waxwings will visit yards in search of fruit, often staying for hours before moving on.
• Juncos will hunt for fallen seed, often before dawn.
• The smaller the bird, the earlier its hunt for food in the winter darkness.
• In preparation of the earliest nesting period of any bird (late-January through February), Great Horned Owls can be heard hooting at night in courtship.
• Now through late March is a difficult time for birds; providing food and an open source of water is important.
• Winter is a great time to look for birds' nests. Admire the craftsmanship, but leave the nest in place.
• Geminid Meteor Shower is mid-month.