First bird of the year was, no surprise, one of many goldfinches, followed closely by juncos, house finches, chickadees and downies.  Everyone has been very scarce for the last half hour or so, though, since an immature Sharp-Shinned Hawk perched on our deck railing!  He sat there, checking things out for at least a couple of minutes, until I reached for the camera.  He lifted off the very second I turned it on, of course.  :(  Hope this is an indicator of the cool factor to come in our backyard this year!
 
Happy New Year Birding!
Kate
 
Kate Mick
outside Smithville

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