As I write this we are heading into a week where the temperatures will mostly be below freezing.

It is winter time and, no surprise, the weather is cold. This is not the time of year to expect to hear birds singing.

Common eiders used to be plentiful in Vineyard waters.

We all have bird feeders to provide nutritious food for our feathered friends.

The 61st annual Christmas Bird Count was held on Jan. 2, but the initial compilation of the data was started the next day when we all gathered via Zoom to review the species we saw in the field.

Some local species may seem ho-hum to us, but visitors from abroad will rave about them.