Greetings all: On Dec. 27th the 73rd Carleton Place CBC was held. There were 33 field and 21 feeder observers out in the fog and rain with virtually no snow anywhere. The most significant observation was the nearly complete lack of some winter species such as Grosbeaks, Waxwings(no Gauloises smokers discussing philosophy), Redpolls, Snow Bunting and Snowy Owls. There were 39 species observed, below our 10 year average and 5900 individuals, roughly 10% below the 10 year average. On the flip side, or the B side as we called in the days of 45s, there were plenty of Geese (905), Common Mergansers (11), Cooper's Hawk (5 and a record high), and Goldfinch above the 10-year average at 784. The surprise of the day was turned up by 2 long time participants, Mike and Joyce, who found both a Hermit Thrush and a Wilson's Snipe by the Mississippi River in CP along the River Walk Trail. On the raptor front there were 4 Bald Eagles, 1 Red-tailed and 1 Rough-legged Hawk, plus the 5 Coopers. To all the compilers, observers and birders out there, Happy New Year and I'm hoping 2024 will be a better year for our blue, green, white and brown orb as it makes another journey around old Mister Sol. and just remember a bad day of birding is better than a good day at work cheers Iain