RCAS had a spectacular day for the annual Winter Regulars and Rarities in the Champlain Valley trip on January 16. Nineteen participants, perhaps suffering from cabin fever and inspired by the day’s beautiful weather, gathered to tally 42 species at various points along Lake Champlain. Previous years’ trips have averaged about 33 species.
Sunshine, no wind, and warm temperatures made for good, and comfortable, viewing conditions. The day was even fair enough to enjoy lunch outdoors at Ferrisburg Town Beach once the picnic table 
was cleared of snow with a snowbrush.
Waterfowl, the highlight of any winter trip along the lake, included a good number of Common Goldeneye (581). At Meach Cove in Shelburne they were in close enough to shore to see them in close detail, including the males throwing their heads back in courtship display. One Horned Grebe was also seen at Meach Cove. Another eight grebes were at Charlotte Town Beach. Two Common Loons, no longer sporting their formal summer attire, were also seen there. A third Common Loon was observed at Converse Bay, but what drew the observers’ attention was a Double-crested Cormorant, about seven weeks out of season. A Belted Kingfisher, also uncommon in winter, was also heard.
Other highlights included a high number of Red-tailed Hawk (29) and Bald Eagle (16). The eagles included two immatures bathing side by side in the water along the shore. Four Rough-legged Hawks, being reported in lower numbers this year, were observed. Last year we reported 19.
Other birds which birders search for in winter are Northern Shrike and Snow Bunting. The group enjoyed good looks at a shrike through a spotting scope as perched high in a tree in the bright sunshine. Snow Buntings were located in two locations, sparkling across snowy fields in small flocks.
Eastern Bluebirds and American Robins in several locations were another cheerful addition to the day as was a Red-bellied Woodpecker at Kingsland Bay. The day ended with 80 Horned Larks on Nortontown Road in Addison.
A total of 25 checklists were submitted to eBird.
A special thanks to Roy Pilcher for leading a sometimes unruly, but grateful, crowd through the Champlain Valley.
Total Species List:
| Canada Goose 9 | Bufflehead 6 | Common Merganser 94 |
| American Black Duck 36 | Mallard 44 | Common Goldeneye 581 |
| Hooded Merganser 8 | Wild Turkey 2 | Common Loon 3 |
| Horned Grebe 9 | Double-crested Cormorant 1 | Bald Eagle 16 |
| Cooper's Hawk 1 | Red-tailed Hawk 29 | Rough-legged Hawk 4 |
| Ring-billed Gull 167 | Herring Gull 9 | Great Black-backed Gull 16 |
| Rock Pigeon 3 | Mourning Dove 3 | Belted Kingfisher 1 |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 | Downy Woodpecker 2 | Hairy Woodpecker 1 |
| Northern Shrike 2 | Blue Jay 4 | American Crow 25 |
| Common Raven 2 | Horned Lark 80 | Black-capped Chickadee 7 |
| Tufted Titmouse 2 | White-breasted Nuthatch 4 | Eastern Bluebird 5 |
| American Robin 20 | European Starling X | American Tree Sparrow 8 |
| Dark-eyed Junco 2 | Snow Bunting 54 | Northern Cardinal 2 |
| House Finch 1 | American Goldfinch 1 | House Sparrow 4 |