Christmas Bird Count with the boys

Today, Dad, Luke and I went on the annual Rutland Christmas Bird Count around the Castleton area. Participants in our circle totalled only 5, but the leader said this was the most she'd had for it. The intermittent rain, cold and icy roads made for and interesting morning. We quit at noon, but could have continued till 3:00. We'd had our fair share of chickadees and blue jays. We kept a tally of those spotted. At one stop along route 4A we (Luke) counted approximately 270 ducks just hangin' out in the river!
Now we're defrosting, having come home to mama who'd been alone all morning unable to come with us as she's recouping from her hip surgery. She's on the mend though, (with much waiting upon her on my part, but I enjoy it). We're all excited for how her hip replacement is going to make life so much easier and comfortable for her. Thankful for the birth of our Lord, and the coming New Year!