Last Bird/First Bird

Every year I keep track of the last bird seen in the old year and the first bird seen in the new year.

The last bird of 2009 was the traditional Northern Cardinal. I say "traditional" because it seems like every New Year's Eve there's a male Cardinal at the feeders right before it gets dark. The Cardinals usually tend to come in the evening rather than during the day. Maybe they're trying to avoid the neighborhood Cooper's Hawk.

I had a really good first bird of 2009. I stepped out the front door for my morning walk and a large bird flying high overhead caught my eye. Bald Eagle! Headed in the general direction of Lake Lemon. Very auspicious sign for the New Year. Happy New Year!