Kingbirdfeeders.com Blog

Summer Resident

2009-07-08T11:02:00.000-05:00

Photo by Bill Ravenscroft

This species arrives in our area in the spring and sticks with us through the summer. The Dickcissel like the fields of our Central Texas because of the grasslands interspersed with Juniper and Mesquites.

Dickcissel males like to find a lofty perch to sing. Listen for the “dick, dick, ciss, ciss, ciss” and start looking for a male on the top of small juniper or a fence post. Hardly ever will you see a female Dickcissel which looks more like a House Sparrow. Yet, the males have often been characterized as small meadowlark mimics. Look for a chestnut shoulder, brown back, yellow chest, and a black bib.

Young Hawk

2009-06-29T14:39:00.004-05:00

Rarely can I think of an occasion when even the experts can’t agree on identification. Yet, this young bird has left us all scratching our heads. It showed up in the trees of a back yard close to the lake, but not on the lake.

Because it is so young our books and experiences have left us to wonder. We think it is either an immature Red Shouldered Hawk or an immature Swainson’s Hawk. Weigh in and give your opinion.

Photos by George Chase

Binoculars by Vortex Optics

2009-06-10T11:30:00.001-05:00

Many articles have been written by this author and others on how to choose a binocular to fit your needs and wants. However, the question that begs answering is how to choose a brand that you can trust and will serve you well for many years? Proposition: buying a pair of binoculars is tantamount to an investment. Most of us buy binoculars knowing these will be something we want to provide us with many years of enjoyment. We do not want a pair to get us through a year or two; we want it to be worthy of ten, fifteen or more years. Ergo, we must also consider that we are buying a brand or company, and that company must be one willing to stand by their product and be committed to customer service.

First, consider the warranty offered. Second, consider access to the company. Third, consider the focus of the company. Fourth, consider the commitment to providing a quality product at a competitive price.

To those ends, Vortex Optics makes a very enticing case as your next brand of binoculars. Vortex Optics offers an unlimited and unconditional warranty. No bones about it, Vortex promises to repair or replace your product free no matter what. That’s pretty straight forward and generates a considerable amount of confidence in the brand. It stands to reason that the buyer can then be confident that a Vortex binocular (or spotting scope) is manufactured to exacting specifications. If you should possibly have a concern about your product know that Vortex Optics can easily be contacted because it maintains an easy to use web site on which is appropriate contact information. One can find a live voice with which to converse. Also, Vortex maintains a good relationship with its dealers facilitating two way conversations that can prove beneficial to the customer. Vortex Optics is focused on providing quality optics. It is not a mega company with several and diverse product lines. Its mission is to provide premium optical products which include features that make a difference between good and great binoculars and scopes. Finally, Vortex is a company that believes it should and can deliver a quality product at an affordable price. Vortex is a company that believes its products stack up well to other brands costing significantly more.

On your next purchase of a pair of binoculars or spotting scope consider that you are buying a brand not just a product.

Attracting Woodpeckers

2009-05-27T12:21:00.003-05:00

There are approximately 20 species of woodpeckers found in North America. Perhaps the one with the most notoriety and certainly the most press in the Ivory Billed Woodpecker sometimes referred to as the “Lord-to-God Bird”. Its existence is a matter of much debate. You need not worry about it coming into your backyard. Its closest cousin, the Pileated, does visit backyards in the wooded South.

More commonly seen in backyards are the Red Bellied and Downy Woodpeckers and the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker. The Sapsucker doesn’t like feeders because of its unique feeding habits. It prefers to drill small holes in trees from which sap exudes. The bird then sucks up this sap, hence its name. The Golden Fronted Woodpeckers will show up at feeders, too.

In order to attract woodpeckers one can put out suet. Suet feeders can be quite inexpensive and one can make their own suet or it can be purchased. Another possibility is a peanut feeder. These feeders are tubular and made of wire mesh. Filled with cracked shelled peanuts, you are going to have a whole lot of fun watching woodpeckers feeding.

Woodpeckers need places to nest and to drum. For this purpose they seek limbs and trees that have a resonating quality. One of the best things you can provide for woodpeckers is a snag. As unusual as it sounds, consider not cutting down a dead tree. If the tree is too tall and could topple over on your house or other structure, consider merely topping it off and leaving the rest. This author has done this in his backyard. To be sure, his arborist was, shall we say, a bit taken aback by his request. However, he has both Downies and Red Bellies drumming away on this hackberry snag. Our backyard has been host to several broods of both Downies and Red Bellies, too.

Photo by Bill Ravenscroft

Red Corral Ranch, Wimberly, Texas

2009-05-17T13:55:00.004-05:00

May 6 through May 8, 2009.

We made it back down to one of our favorite places to do some R&R, Red Corral Ranch (RCR) near Wimberly, TX. This is huge ranch where many events take place. Weekends in the spring are often for weddings. Yet, during the week it is possible to spend two or three days in a cabin deep in the woods, and to wander about the woods and fields and not see another human being. This was exactly our plan, and we took advantage of these dates.

We have been coming to this place for several years because it is Golden Cheek Warbler and Black Capped Vireo habitat. And this visit is the first in which I was rewarded with a sighting of the Golden Cheeked. I did not find him in the usual place but about 100 yards down the road from our cabin, a beautiful bird. I have seen these in other places, but this was a first for the RCR. The five best species of birds seen on this trip have to be Summer Tanagers (both male and female), Painted Buntings (both male and female), Ladder Backed Woodpeckers, Lark Sparrow and the Golden Cheeked Warbler. Below is a list of the birds seen or heard.

Northern Cardinal
Carolina Wren
Black Capped race of Tufted Titmouse
White Eyed Vireo
House Finch
Carolina Chickadee
Black Vulture
Bewick’s Wren
Hummingbird sp.
Ladder Backed Woodpecker
Mourning Dove
Brown Headed Cowbird
Summer Tanager
Barn Swallow
Painted Bunting
Nashville Warbler
Turkey Vulture
Lark Sparrow
Red Winged Blackbird
Gray Catbird
Song Sparrow
Red Eyed Vireo
Golden Cheeked Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Yellow Billed Cuckoo

Afternoon Blues

2009-05-04T21:28:00.002-05:00

The end of April and beginning of May are superb birding times in our neck of the woods. The recent storms have produced a fallout. In and around Lake Waco we are finding migrating Blue Grosbeaks, Orioles and Warblers. This Blue Grosbeak was found on the eastern side of the lake near Lakeshore Drive. Photo by Bill Ravenscroft.

Rain or Shine, Vortex Razors Have It All

2009-04-28T10:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, you are ready for an upgrade. You want something that not only states the seriousness of your commitment to birding but is stylish and functional. If it rains while in the field you want it waterproof and fogproof. You want your binoculars to deliver crystal clear images and true color definition for not only confident identification but wonderful sighting. Of course, you want it to be affordable.

Now, you can have all of the above. The European styled Vortex Razor binoculars deliver crystal clear precise images and true colors even under challenging conditions because of Vortex’s HD System. This system combines XR coatings, XD objective lens elements, and XT optical design for superb light transmission and resolution, and edge to edge accuracy and detail.

Now these premium performance binoculars are even more enticing because of the rebates being offered on all models. The 42 mm Razors are eligible for a $100 rebate and the 50 mm Razors are subject to a $150 rebate.

Razors are simply the smartest of choices among premium performance binoculars designed for enjoyable and advanced birding and nature observation.

Texas Wildflowers

2009-04-01T11:26:00.002-05:00

The recent rains have assisted Bluebonnets, Texas' State Flower, in blooming everywhere in Central Texas. They adorn our highways and fields. This is the time of year when Sunday afternoons find families gathering for a portrait amongst a field flushed with color and beauty.

The above picture is Thelesperma. There are plenty of colors, shape, and a variety of flowers to tantalized and delight.

Great Sale on Stokes DLS Binocular

2009-03-16T14:00:00.002-05:00

The 8 x 42 Stokes DLS Binocular, made by Vortex Optics, is on sale at a wonderful special price. The Stokes DLS was designed by and for birders. (DLS stands for Don and Lillian Stokes—recognized names in the birding community.) Utilizing the Stokes’ exacting criteria, Vortex Optics manufactured the DLS using state-of-the-art technology. Vortex Optics is considered to be a premier manufacturer of quality optical instruments for outdoor use.

Special features of the DLS include excellent resolution and reliable color. Thus, these features are extremely helpful when viewing Pine Siskins grouped with goldfinches, with which they are known to flock during migration. Another feature is they work well in twilight conditions. We birders get out early in the morning and late in the evening. We know that not being able to view and identify our subject because to poor optics is severely disappointing. With the DLS one does not have this worry. The DLS possess an excellent ergonomic design and are relatively lightweight for long periods of birding. The versatility of focus is superb from up close to long range.

At $499.99, the Stokes 8 x 42 DLS Binocular is a great bargain for the outdoor enthusiast.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2009-03-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

One year ago today Kingbirdfeeders.com began this blog. It is time to celebrate! And to help do just that here are a couple of pictures of Western Kingbirds, the logo bird, from Bryan Stone.

My thanks to all who have contributed to this blog and to all who have visited. My hope is that you will continue to enjoy the posts. Happy Birding!

Early Arrival?

2009-02-27T14:28:00.003-06:00

Many of us in Central Texas think this is an early arriving Nashville Warbler. This photograph was taken by Bill Ravenscroft on February 14, 2009. Your comments and observations would be appreciated.

Pine Warblers

2009-02-19T11:31:00.003-06:00

The Pine Warblers seem to be increasing in numbers and frequency in Central Texas. Many are saying it was about three years ago that this species began to show around Lake Waco. Today many local birders are reporting them. A small group of birders went to the Pecan Grove and Soccer Fields last month and were delighted by the sighting of several of these as they hopped along the ground and flew to low lying branches in the grove. Their yellow neck and breasts made sharp contrasts to the blue backs and orange fronts of the Eastern Bluebirds which inhabit this area. Still, others are reporting Pine Warblers at their feeders and bird baths. In fact, this writer has notice far fewer Yellow-rumped Warblers this year and wonders if the Pines are not the cause.

Photographs by Bill Ravenscroft

Ladder-Backs, Broad-wings and more at the Red Corral

2009-02-07T11:21:00.003-06:00

We escaped once again to a favorite R&R place, the Red Corral Ranch between Wimberly and Blanco, Texas. There is a cabin stuck way back in the woods where one can lounge around, read, listen to the silence and relax. Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice flit about the cabin grounds.

Of course, if one wishes, there are plenty of trails through the ranch to explore. One of those trails, appropriately called the Nature Trail, follows the creek from the cabin to the main lodge. It is easy walking, about a mile long, and takes you past open spaces and along cliffs and by terrain where, if one is lucky, one might spot a Golden Cheeked Warbler. Yet, even if one doesn’t there is other avifauna about. On one such walk, we spotted first a female Ladder-Backed Woodpecker and then the male in the oak grove. The sexes look much alike with the exception of red on the head of the male, which the female lacks. The face of this bird is distinctive, and this is what caught our eye. We, also, had a Hermit Thrush run the trail before us as we pressed onward. Pausing as if to wait on us to catch up, it slowly lifted and lowered its reddish tail. Turning once to show us its spotted breast, it darted for cover and left the trail to us.

We walked several trails in addition to the Nature Trail; the Goddess Trail, the Pond Trail and its unmarked offshoot to the north pass a windmill on top of a rise. We saw White Winged Dove, Northern Cardinals, Scrub Jay, Spotted Towhees, Vesper Sparrow, American Robins, Turkey Vultures, and two kettles of Black Vultures. The area just northeast of the Pond netted a pair of soaring Broad-winged Hawks.

The fact that this ranch is managed for the protection of the Golden Cheeked Warbler and the Black Capped Vireo makes this one of our top places to visit, which we do as often as possible.

Photograph of Ladder Backed Woodpecker from Animal Diversity Web.

Enjoying Birding

2009-01-26T10:06:00.002-06:00

What can one do that is relatively inexpensive, helps you get away from the worries of the day, gets you outdoors, enables you to get some exercise, can be done alone or in a group, and provides you with lasting memories and good conversation? That is one heck of a question! Or is it a multitude of questions?

Birding, that’s the answer.

Let’s face it. This is cheap entertainment. First, all you really need to get started is a bird feeder or two and some seed or nectar. This is it, if what you hope to do is watch the birds that come to your own backyard. Hours of watching intently or on the spur of the moment can be had for pennies a day.

Of course, once you have enjoyed and learned about the birds in your yard, you’ll probably start noticing birds everywhere. It is just like buying a new car. Once you have bought the car, you start noticing that model on every road you travel. Once, you’ve noticed the birds in your backyard, you’ll notice them on your morning walk through the neighborhood, at the park, driving down the highway, in the fields on the edge of town, down at the river where you fish—everywhere.

So the next step is to get a good pair of binoculars, a field guide and your local checklist. And there is no stopping you. Your friends will start to ask you, the burgeoning expert, just what was that bird they saw the other day.

What is a good pair of binoculars going to cost you? One can spend any amount on binoculars. Consider that one will probably be using these for a number of years. Consider that you want a pair of binoculars through which you can actually tell the colors on the wings, or belly or tail. Consider that you want a pair that enables the identification of the bird. Consider that old birders never die; their eyesight just “ain’t as good as it used to be”. Therefore, do not buy a cheap pair of binoculars! Invest enough in your binocular to keep you satisfied with your purchase for many years. Here, look at it this way: if you bought a Vortex Diamondback and you knew that you were going to use these over the next ten years (a lifetime warranty not withstanding), the cost would be barely more than a nickel a day. Similarly, if you bought a Vortex Viper it would be about 14 cents per day. See, I told you this was an inexpensive proposition.

Lastly, investigate the local Audubon Society in your area. Find out when and where they meet. Once you start attending their meetings, you’ll learn of places all around you where there are wonderful and exciting birds to see. Then you will have new friends and a community with whom to share all this. That is more than satisfactory, that’s great!

Birding is the answer, yep!

Owl Prowl

2009-01-16T12:17:00.005-06:00

On the East Waco Christmas Bird Count, Short Eared Owls were found off Old Mexia Road. E.G. White-Swift and his son, Joey, had noticed Northern Harriers in this field earlier in the day. Knowing that Short Eared Owls occupy the same habitat at dusk, they returned as the sun was setting to wait in hope of seeing the owls. Those with patience and forbearance are oft rewarded, and so they were.

A week later E.G. promised to lead a group of Central Texas Audubon members and friends to the location. Meeting at 5:00 PM, we traveled to the field arriving about 25 minutes later. With the light and temperature dropping, through binoculars and scopes, we watched three Northern Harriers dance across the field and around the cattle grazing. Then one of the Short Ears started to work the far reaches of the field opposite from where we all stood. A second appeared and both flew directly at us and eventually over the cars. Back around they came and split; one right, one left. Having checked out all four corners of the territory, they began to work the field again. I can tell you that it became almost a party atmosphere as we bore witness to these birds and their crepuscular activity.

A few evenings later some more birders were at the field. Bryan Stone took these wonderful pictures. One includes a pair sparring with each other. These owls are rare sightings in McLennan County, so it is a delight to behold.

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

2009-01-11T10:20:00.000-06:00

My family returned to the land of my mother and father in the interlude between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Having not been able to accommodate everyone’s schedule this summer, we resolved to take our family vacation this winter. The goal was some peace and quiet in the woods. Lake Broken Bow in Southeast Oklahoma became the destination. We rented a cabin within a couple of miles of Beavers Bend State Park. We walked down to the lake’s edge on the first evening at the cabin. These woods produced a Brown Creeper, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, and, of course, American Crows.

The Talimena National Scenic Byway, north of the cabin, afforded us grand views of the Ozarks and surrounding valleys. At Emerald Vista we learned of, and you can see still the effects of, the old practice of clear cutting an area of timber for the sawmill. Then the company would abandon the area moving the workers, equipment and mill without regard to replanting. Then there is Horsethief Springs where the rustlers would water the stolen horses before moving on. At the western end of the byway, at the Talimena State Park we had a picnic lunch.

We spent part of the last day at the Red Slough Wetlands and Wildlife Management Area where we saw Mallards, American Coots, Red Shouldered Hawk, sandpipers, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe and Meadowlarks. Red Slough is a reclaimed wetland, once having been cleared and converted for the production of rice, soybeans, corn and milo. Since 1966 the property has been managed as a wetland. Wood Storks regularly visit in the summer. Some 290 species of birds have been recorded on these 5814 acres.

Reflections on Tranquility

2009-01-05T16:03:00.000-06:00

Lake Broken Bow

Southeastern Oklahoma

December 29, 2008

Christmas Bird Count

2008-12-21T17:40:00.003-06:00

This morning as I fixed my cup of coffee, I watched American Goldfinches, House Finches, Carolina Chickadees and an Orange Crowned Warbler at my three feeders. A familiar sight for this ritual to be sure which stands in stark contrast of yesterday. By this time yesterday, I was leading my team into Area 3 of our local Christmas Bird Count.

Area 3 has been the area assigned to me for the last three years. Yet, my team was completely new. For Jane and Gary, this was their first CBC in which to participate. They had wanted to do so for years, but the pressure of family events had prevented an earlier participation. However, to my great pleasure, they knew their birds and have done enough hiking and camping to be comfortable in the outdoors.

We had good weather, sunshine with temperature climbing into the 70’s F by noon. The anticipated cold front started pushing into Central Texas by mid-afternoon, with the wind kicking up as we ended our day.

Our first stop placed us at the Highway 84 Bridge crossing the South Bosque River. Fruitful it was with sightings of Chickadees, Goldfinches, Red Winged Blackbirds, and a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker. As we moved on to differing spots we set up a good system of sighting, verifying, and accounting for the numbers and kinds of our avian friends. We faired well in the different types of raptors found, the best of which (for me) was a Merlin. We found six species of buteos, accipiters and falcons. However, the Northern Harriers that come into this area in winter were absent. Speculation on my part is that it has not been cold enough to send many of our northern birds south.

By afternoon, we found ourselves in the northwestern corner of our assigned area known as Rattler Hill Road. This road has been in the past a most productive and significant part of the count area. This road we call a “sparrowy” place. So it proved today, also. Vesper, Lincoln’s, Harris’s, and White Crowned Sparrows were counted at this locale. We also were treated to Cedar Waxwings and Eastern Bluebirds, and Meadowlarks on Lifestyle Lane.

We returned home having counted forty-nine species. All agreed it was a good day having enjoyed the company, camaraderie, and experience of participating in one of the oldest and enduring events of citizen science.

Sparrows Galore

2008-12-09T12:02:00.004-06:00

We received a most gracious invitation to visit the Flying W Ranch near Hillsboro. The invitation was made because Caracaras are believed to be nesting on the ranch. We were able to spot what we believe to be two older nests and will return in the Spring to see if these will be reused. We also sighted a Caracara very close to the first nest.

This proved to be a very “sparrowy” place. We sighted Harris’s, White Crowned, Song, Lincoln’s, Field, Savannah, and Vesper Sparrows. Brush piles and fence lines offered a good days viewing. The weather and lighting made photographing difficult, but not impossible.

Photos by Bryan Stone

Encouraging a New Generation

2008-11-30T13:08:00.005-06:00

Photo by bill Ravenscroft

Birding is such a wonderful avenue to developing one’s sense of nature. It is an activity the leads many into a greater appreciation for the environment. It may even lead one to advocacy of good stewardship of the earth and influence the decisions made as one conducts their life. Thus birding serves as a gateway into an understanding of humans interplay with nature and the environment. It behooves us to encourage our youth in nature observation.

If your community has a green space or green corridor, take your children on a hike. The fresh air the beauty of the woods surrounding the trail will fill you and your children with a sense of adventure. It may lead to an appreciation of our ancestors as they trekked across the wilderness to establish roots where the family now lives.

One way to accomplish this goal would be to purposely plan vacations in which the family camps out. State and National Parks provide a way in which a family can drive up to a campsite with their gear and have an enjoyable time “in the woods”. If you are not sure that the family can endure a week or two living in such a way, then try a weekend campout at a nearby state or regional park.

And then there is birding. Birding is an activity that can begin in the backyard. Its beginning is as simple as putting up a feeder, filling it with black oil sunflowers, and then watching through the window. Of course, providing youth with a good pair of binoculars facilitates their identification of the birds they watch, but also allows for the observation of the fine detail of their feathers and the unique behaviors of particular birds. For children up to third grade a small yet good binocular would be the Audubon 7 x 18 Mini. For youth up to middle school one might consider the Vortex 8 x 42 Crossfire. High School youth would be well equipped with a Stokes 8 x 42 Talon or Vortex 8 x 42 Diamondback.

Our children are filled with wonder and blessed with curiosity. With a bit of effort on our part we can encourage our children to grow into adults caring for the very earth we ourselves hold dear. Now is the time to begin, if we have not previously done so. It is not too late nor too early. For what is good, it is always the right time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:05:00.000-06:00

Photo by Annette Jones

American Woodcock at Lake Waco Wetlands

2008-11-17T14:45:00.002-06:00

November 17, 2008, Monday, 8:00 AM—10:30 AM; Lake Waco Wetlands; Sunny, very light winds, no clouds, 44F—66F.

The best bird of the day came as the last bird sighted. Walking up the trail from the tree berm toward the road, I came within 45 feet of an American Woodcock which was sitting underneath a cedar. It startled from that place flying low to the ground (approximately 3 feet off the ground) in a NNW direction rounding a bend in the trail and into more dense brush. It was burnt orange on the belly and rump, fat bodied, short pointed wings and mottled back. 30 species total.

Great Egret 2
Great Blue Heron 5
American Coot 25
Red Winged Blackbirds 26
Red Tailed Hawks, imm, 2
Blue Jay 2
Carolina Chickadee, numerous
Tufted Titmouse 7
Northern Cardinal 17
Bewick’s Wren 1
Osprey 1
Double Crested Cormorant 15
Mallards 60
Northern Pintail 20
Green Wing Teal 75
Northern Shoveler 10
White Throated Sparrows 4
Spotted Towhee 3
Belted Kingfisher 2, h
Ruby Crowned Kinglet, numerous
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Phoebe 6
Carolina Wren 5
Loggerhead Shrike 1
Black Crowned Night Heron, imm, 1
Turkey Vulture 46
Northern Mockingbird 5
Killdeer 3
American Crow 5
American Woodcock 1

Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival

2008-11-12T09:54:00.001-06:00

Kingbirdfeeders.com has just returned from the RGV Birding Festival in Harlingen, TX. This was the 15th Annual Festival but my first time to attend as part of the Birders’ Bazaar. The four day event was a great experience. I met many people who stopped by to examine the offerings at the booth. We had fun exchanging stories about the birds being seen on the field trips, as well as stories about sightings made on previous occasions. Good discussion was had about favorite feeders, hummingbirds fighting over feeders, binoculars and spotting scopes.

Friday morning, just before the opening of the bazaar, I was able to spot three Golden Fronted Woodpeckers in the park near the auditorium. It was reported that a flock of parrots were just one block west of the auditorium on Thursday about 4:00 PM, but alas, I couldn’t leave the booth. However, I spotted two Harris’ Hawks, several Caracara, and Red Tailed Hawks on the trip home.

Nesting Bald Eagles at Lake Waco

2008-10-28T15:05:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Bryan Stone

For the last several years Lake Waco has been visited by at least one pair of Bald Eagles. These Eagles were discovered at Lacey Point on the western side of Lake Waco and photographed Oct 19, 2008. There has never been a recording of nesting by Bald Eagles in this county. This pair seems to be building a structure that may well turn out to be a nest. If they do, then this would be a record for McLennan County.

Fall Report

2008-10-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Bill Ravenscroft

As the day presses on during the past week, the few sightings of hummers at the feeders have come to a halt. However, noticeable are different birds visiting the water bath and surrounding cover of the bushes in my back yard as well as the high branches of the oaks above. For the past two days, three or four Ruby Crowned Kinglets have visited, flitting back and forth between the Rose-A-Sharon and the Oaks. They have been accompanied by six to eight Nashville Warblers. The Nashvilles were particularly interested in the water bath gathering at least three at a time and affording me a good look at their white eye ring, gray head, and yellow throat. Yesterday evening, there were other warblers high in the oaks. However, before I could acquire my binoculars and focus on these birds, they were off. Scratching about the under growth has been a Brown Thrasher.

Steady are the constant companions, the Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Carolina Wrens. A female Downy also frequents the peanut feeder. Not seen in a while are the Red Bellied Woodpeckers. They are heard about the neighborhood, however. Tough Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers have not yet been seen in the yard, I have seen one in the park.

My good friend has a different visitor. Since Tuesday, this Red Shouldered Hawk visits early in the morning in his yard. The smaller birds do not show for four or five hours afterwards. Oh well, one must be appreciative of whatever gift comes along.