About two dozen guests joined me for the inaugural Avimor Bird Walk. The highlight of the morning adventures had to be the Great Horned Owl at Foothills Heritage Park discovered by Stephanie. He was well camouflaged in the tree, but was at about eye level so we all could see those eerie large yellow eyes. 
A total of thirteen species (pretty good for winter in this area) of birds were seen:Northern Harrier
Cooper's Hawk
American Kestrel
Great Horned Owl
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
House Finch
American Goldfinch (pictured below decorating a tree along the creek)
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We also enjoyed other winter wildlife wonders like deer and coyote tracks, rodent tunnels in the snow, abandoned beehives, and the seed-bearing plants that keep the birds fed through the cold season.
After the walk, everyone was treated to hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies in the warmth of the Avimor Information Center. A drawing was held for some bird feeders and bird seed. The four kids that participated in the morning bird walk all won a prize. I can’t guarantee that kind of luck every month, but it was fun to see them all going home with something.
Special thanks to Kent Mortensen and Roberta Stewart for taking the pictures.
Mark G. informs me that on his walk back to his home in Avimor that he and his wife observed black-billed magpies and a flock of Canada Geese flying over. That makes 15 species seen that day. During this time of year and for that location I typically average only 9 species, so we had a really good day.
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