The results are in for the first-ever official "Birdy 30" competition.

With only roughly an hour's e-mail/blog notice, 12 local birders competed.

The winner, some guy named Stiles, had 13 species between 3 and 3:30 p.m.

We had a tie for "best" bird. Dave Kaplan had two Rusty Blackbirds, and Rick Weiman had a leucistic Dark-eyed Junco (can't make this stuff up).  The bird is pictured above (greatly enlarged). If you squint, you may also see a Sasquatch. Enid Hayflick had a Fox Sparrow. 

All four folks above win a signed copy of "Duck Enough To Fly," by Barrack, Goodell & Wright.

Congrats to all participants.

Stiles Thomas' winning list (in order of sighting) follows.

Given the snowy weather and recent sad local events, Stiles Thomas and I have decided to do something that's hopefully a bit uplifting -- what I have just now dubbed the "Birdy 30." 

It's a contest to see how many birds you can see from one window in 30 minutes.

This day's competition runs from 3 to 3:30 p.m. So-called prizes will be awarded for most species and "best" bird.

Please join us, and e-mail [email protected] with your results.

Results will be posted on the Celery Farm Nature Blog.

Five and a half years ago, I asked friends of this blog to send in their favorite memories, moments and images.

Here's the second of three posts that resulted.

   Deedee Burnside is sharing some nifty photos.

   Above: A Smartweed Caterpillar.

   Below, autumn in the Laino Woods section of the Celery Farm.

   Click "Continue reading..." for a dragonfly shot and another Laino Woods image from Deedee.

Five and a half years ago, I asked friends of this blog to send in their favorite memories, moments and images.

Here's the first of three posts that resulted.

    Today I am going to pass along some thoughts by Sally Teschon, who writes:
    "I have been sharing the farm with young moms from our church in Wyckoff, who are now sharing it with their friends -- another generation for the farm.
      "It is very important to me to share it with children so they learn the importance of taking care of our world.
    "It is difficult to explain to someone how the farm is different each and every time you go there. The seasons, time of day, your mood... all make it different.
    "This I know: The farm makes a difference in my life, for good. It is like a friend who makes your life sweeter and brighter. 
     "Most of all, the Celery Farm brings me peace."

     Amen.

    Tomorrow: Deedee Burnside photography.
    Thursday: Sally Teschon shares some photos of the carved snakes and wonders what became of them.