Scene on a bluff along the valley (one of my favourite spots!)

Today was our first Christmas Bird Count of the season. Weather was unusually benign for a change around Arkona in Lambton County. Quite often there is lots of snow, and it was certainly unlike last year when there was about 2m!
We checked out the traditional spots, and I worked Rock Glen CA and the Ausable River Valley with Maris Apse. Rock Glen is an interesting place where one can find countless Devonian era fossils that are exposed by the eroding streams.
Upon heading out first thing in the morning, after owling (only a Great Horned and two Screech), we saw two Bald Eagles (immatures) flying overhead. Later on, we had two more. They were all immatures, but certainly different individuals. A Golden Eagle is quite regular on this count, but we did not see one today.
Arriving at Rock Glen, we were greeted with a Winter Wren along the stream. It turned out to be one of several of that species for the day.
After descending the long stairs, we came across an excellent flock of birds which included Cardinals, nuthatches, Chickadees 3 Titmice, a Carolina Wren, woodpeckers, and Golden Crowned Kinglets. We were also treated to a Belted Kingfisher noisily working the river. Quite often we get one here as it is the only open water in the area.
The rest of the walk along the river valley was a bit a bit quiet. No ducks today--usually we find a couple of Common Mergansers. A mink on the edge of the ice was new for the count (!).

Stops at other places in the area revealed some basic birds.
Sparrows are certainly scarce this year. We only saw a few Tree Sparrows, and one Song Sparrow at a feeder. No others!
As well, hawks are few and far between. Where are the Rough-legged Hawks this year? I only saw one in the distance today.