December Nature Happenings in the Mid-Atlantic Region

• Project FeederWatch continues, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

• Christmas Bird Count is this month. For more information, click here. There are several designated count circles in the area. Click here to see which is near you. For each circle, click on the bird icon in the center for information on how to register for that particular count. You can join with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy by following this link.

• Tundra Swans arrive. Is this one of your life birds? Local birding experts reported seeing them at Algonkian Regional Park at the end of November. 

• Hawks and other raptors are still migrating through the area. Watch for late waterfowl migrants such as Canvasbacks, mergansers, Ruddy Ducks and Common Goldeneyes, as well.

• This is a great time to teach chickadees and titmice to feed from your hand. Watch as Jim Carpenter, founder of Wild Birds Unlimited, demonstrates hand-feeding wild birds.

• Purple Finches, an occasional winter visitor to our area, can be seen at feeders. You might also spy pine siskins and red-breasted nuthatches this winter, according to the annual Winter Finch Forecast.

• Geminid Meteor Shower is mid-month, with the peak around Dec. 14. Website in-the-sky.org has a great tool to help you pinpoint the best viewing opportunities for your area.