I counted in various places yesterday and photographed some nice birds in the local marsh, but one of the great things about the GBBC is that you can check on the whereabouts of a bird that's a harbinger of spring. Red-winged Blackbirds were seen in the hundreds in southeastern Massachusetts and there are reports in CT and RI. I myself saw a Brown-headed Cowbird this morning which is a bird that migrates early, usually with the grackles, close behind the red-wings. Spring is closer! Birds in the marsh: Great Blue Heron Green-winged Teal Red-breasted Merganser Buffleheads and a Canada Goose (one of many many Canada Geese) Claire

The Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 13-16, 2015 About Claire

Ah, I see you're in Alabama; didn't catch that before. You must be at the southern edge of their range. In November we visited our daughter and son-in-law who had moved to Alabama in July, just south of Birmingham and I think I've seen enough crepe myrtle now to last the rest of my life. Nikko-O - Sherry is right about not trying to do it all at once. It's good to have an overall scheme in mind, and add according to that general scheme, knowing that you may have to make adjustments along the way. There are a couple of books you might look for in your local library: Native Plants of the Northeast by Donald Leopold (assuming you are in the northeast), The Layered Garden by David Culp, and The Living Landscape by Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke. Any of these, or even some photos from them that might show up in an online review, might prove very inspirational for you. One of the things I love about gardening is the opportunity to be creative and resourceful. Enjoy the process!

Nothing exciting, NHBabs, just the regulars and in some areas less than I'd hoped. I visited several areas along the Cape Cod Canal hoping to see the huge raft of ducks riding the current that I'd seen in the past. I probably timed it wrong because I only saw a few birds, including this red-breasted merganser preening. I checked the local marsh hoping for green-winged teals but saw mostly mallards and Canada geese. Mallards and the regulars at home were just that, the regulars chowing down. Exciting sightings, though, are great for the observer but the data-base is happy with more information on the regulars. Large flocks of crows are really impressive! One spring (I think it was spring - not GBBC) I too saw large numbers of crows flying overhead heading north and cawing. It fascinated me to see the local crows fly up to meet them, fly along a bit, and then drop down again. I was imagining them saying "Great to see you! How's the family! Have a good trip! Bye now!" Claire