Birds turning up in early Christmas Bird Count observations by top birders: an update. New federal legislation passed by Congress takes aim at conserving, restoring Great Salt Lake and other saline water bodies critical to migrating birds. A report on a study that supports other research indicating birdwatching is good for the brain. Bird of the week: Cassin's Vireo. Birding hotspot: Hell's Canyon Wilderness. Friend of wildlife organization: Friends of the Forest - Sedona. Calendar of bird friendly events coming up in January 2023.