‍ ‍ On a chilly wintery morning, I make the trek up to Newburgh and Beacon in search of reported Iceland gulls.

‍ ‍ Took a ride through neighboring Harriman Park to view the newly fallen snow and try to capture a view images before it melts or gets washed away.

With the threat of heavy snow, it was an opportune time to get out and see of any new waterfowl and/or eagles were on the river.

‍ ‍ 4 species of goose, hundreds of crows, and handsome woodpecker and a family of deer highlight our day’s odin got the Black Dirt Region.

Today, we took part in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, traveling around the county and attempting to record each and every bird we sighted during the day.

‍ ‍ An image should convey a story about what I witnessed in the natural world on this day.

‍ ‍ It’s winter (or almost anyway) and that brings Northern harriers, Rough-legged hawks, and Short-eared owls to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge.

‍ ‍ While there are still very few migrating eagles along the river, the wintering waterfowl let us know that winter is definitely here.

‍ ‍ Another “wild goose chase” proved successful as I found the uncommonly seen White-fronted goose here in Orange County…More than 20 of them!

‍ ‍ The first days of December bring our first substantial snowfall.