The rumors are true: We really did have a bird walk at DeKorte Park today, with nearly 18 undaunted people taking a short trek to look for waterfowl in the few parts of the impoundments that weren't iced up yet.

    Sightings included more than a dozen Canvasback, three Pintail, 8 Gadwall, multiply Mallards, a Black Duck or two, lots of CAGO and a few Mute Swans.

     After coffee, cocoa and cookies, we drove out to Disposal Road in hopes of spying the Northern Shrike, but the wind and the cold made it a bit of  a masochism clinic.  The Northern Shrike was apparently hunkered down somewhere, like most sensible humans.

   One participant said she was going to the Antarctic next week — seriously. She received a nice dress rehearsal today at DeKorte.

    Thanks to Don Torino and the great folks at Bergen County Audubon Society for leading the walk, and for all their great work during the year.

  We'd also like to thank everyone who participated in our dozens of programs, events and nature walks throughout 2009.

   Thank you, and see you in 2010!