8/16/09 - Have not written much this summer. Our beloved cat Ruby passed away about a month ago, and we are just devastated.
Birds cheering me up in the yard have included babies of all the following: Black-capped Chickadees (2 of them), Cardinals, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds (2 young males just barely getting hints of red and yellow wing color), Blue Jays, Robins, Starlings, House Finches, House Sparrows, Carolina Wren, and a baby Groundhog too. Today we had a Carolina Wren in the yard who was sunning itself on the patio with outstretched wings and open mouth. So cute.
6/3/09 - A few days ago on the 31st, this little baby Grackle appeared in the yard. It is the first baby Grackle of the spring:
There are also about 5 baby Starlings - noisy as ever - in the yard who keep begging constantly for food from their parents. Also, the Baltimore Orioles appear to be nesting, but I have not yet seen any offspring. Also awaiting all the Blue Jay youngsters!
5/19/09 - A gorgeous male BALTIMORE ORIOLE was preening itself in the yard today. I watched for about 3 minutes as it cleaned itself, and then an olive/yellow bird darted out in front of it and flew to the neighbor's yard, and he followed. I think it was the female, but it went by too fast to tell. I had heard an oriole singing about a week and a half ago, but I couldn't find it. I think they are nesting nearby! Also, we still have a PINE SISKIN pair, so I believe they are nesting too, but I am trying to find evidence of this. Goldfinch numbers have picked up again, and we are up to about 8 right now.
4/23/09 - I was utterly shocked to see a fantastic male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK land in my yard today at 4:15 and stay for about 15 minutes. Bob and I were watching the new squirrel ("Rose") in the squirrel nest box, when I saw the bird land in a tree. After screaming, "Give me the binoculars!" to my baffled husband, I confirmed it was in fact a male RB Grosbeak. We watched him watch the feeders, and after all the other birds cleared off, he went in for the black-oil sunflower seed. What a fabulous treat to see during migration. A special thanks to Rose the squirrel, or else we never would have seen the bird. Here are photos:
3/29/09 - I have had PINE SISKINS in the yard every day now since January 18. Today there were 5 birds mixed in with about 40 Goldfinches who are in various molting stages. Also, Led-belly was eating suet today, along with a bunch of Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. The Blue Jays were snacking on peanuts with the blackbirds, and 2 Tufted Titmice fed together at the sunflower feeder. I still have Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, but numbers are dwindling. A high count for the new year of 14 Mourning Doves was pretty cool to see - they were feeding under the thistle feeders together.
3/2/09 - With the big snowstorm came a ravenous flock of at least 150 Common Grackles and a couple Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds. See the photos I took below - click the thumbnail. Also, 15 Pine Siskins, 75+ Goldfinches, many Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, and Cardinals, 11 Blue Jays, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 Mourning Doves, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 1 House Finch, and the other usual suspects.
3/1/09 - Although PINE SISKINS have been coming to the yard for the past month and a half or so, today I had yard high counts of 26 Siskins mixed in with a record-smashing 125+ Goldfinches.
2/8/09 - A lone PINE SISKIN was feeding on the sock thistle feeder today along with 30 or so Goldfinches. I saw a couple White-throated Sparrows and lots of Juncos, but the Fox Sparrow has not been seen since February 5th. I had a pair of Fox Sparrows for a while, but then just the single one. I hope he/she will be back soon.
1/25/09 - Great day in the yard today. I had a first-of-winter FOX SPARROW that I got some photos of through the window. What a beauty. There are many other photos of today's birds (and squirrels) here too. Click the thumbnail for them. Other birds in the yard today: Cooper's Hawk, Song Sparrow, Led-belly, Harry the Hairy Woodpecker, lots of Juncos, Goldfinches, Cardinals, and White-throated Sparrows, 10 Blue Jays, 4 Downy WPs, 1 Titmouse, 4 House Finches, and 1 WB Nuthatch.
1/18/09 - NEW YARD BIRD #58 came today after MUCH anticipation and waiting: PINE SISKINS!!! There were 3 birds mixed in with a large (40+) Goldfinch flock. I got some pictures (sse below and click thumbnail for all). Also, a huge "flock" of Cardinals - 18 that I counted but I would say at least 20 probably - were using the large platform feeder in the snow. Other nice birds: 2 Downys, 20+ Juncos, 10+ White-throated Sparrows, and 10 or so Blue Jays.
1/15/09 - Well over 40 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were in the yard today - a high count so far, but still not surpassing the 50+ count from last winter.
1/1/09 - HAPPY NEW YEAR! First bird heard for the new year: Blue Jay. First bird seen for the new year: Pigeon. Today also brought Harry the Hairy Woodpecker, Led-belly, about 15 Goldfinches, some Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, and the other usual suspects.
12/31/08 - The last day of the year brought in many nice birds with the snow: a high count so far this winter of 19 Goldfinches, 1 Cooper's Hawk (adult), 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Robin, 2 Titmice, 11 Cardinals, 3 Downy Woodpeckers, 21 Juncos, 8 White-throated Sparrows, 10 Blue Jays, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 House Finches, a Mourning Dove, and our friendly Pigeons, Starlings, and House Sparrows!
12/20 and 12/21/08 - The first big snowstorm of this winter brought in a lot of nice birds to the yard! Over the weekend, the high total for Dark-eyed Juncos was 34 and for White-throated Sparrows was 19. Also, we had 2 SONG SPARROWS mixing in with the group. A young Sharp-shinned Hawk kept the birds on their toes on Saturday, with a few narrowly escaping the fast moves of the Sharpie. I never did see it catch anything though. Finally, my GOLDFINCH numbers are growing - Sunday brought in a total of 7, the high count so far this winter. Other nice sightings this weekend: Harry the Hairy Woodpecker, Led-belly, 10 Cardinals, lots of Blue Jays, Canada Geese flyovers, 1 House Finch (male), 1 Titmouse, 4 Downys, and 5 Mourning Doves.
12/14/08 - The last few weeks have been filled with a nice assortment of winter birds. Today I saw a few Juncos, a White-throated Sparrow, and the overwintering Carolina Wren (Wrenifer) all under the suet feeder. I still am seeing a single Goldfinch who appears regularly, but I'm waiting for the good numbers I had last winter. Led-belly was vocalizing while eating suet, and the resident Red-tailed Hawk was circling above the yard. Even though the hawk is here regularly, the Blue Jays do a pretty good job of harrassing the hawk and getting it to go away for a while. Also today: a House Finch, 3 Downys, 3 Cardinals, 1 Titmouse, and a couple Mourning Doves.
11/23/08 - Wrenifer the Carolina Wren appeared in the yard today and I got some good photos of her. I think it's a her - haha! I think she is going to overwinter here. The Blue Jays were having their usual peanut-fest this morning. Here are some pictures:
11/22/08 - An adult BALD EAGLE was new yard bird number 57 today! I was looking out the window, sad about the fact that I had missed the White-winged Crossbills at Celery Farm today, when my jaw slowly dropped as I saw an eagle blow in with the wind right over my yard. That was some consolation prize! Also today: Led-belly, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 House Finch, 1 Common Grackle, 4 Downys, 1 Titmouse, 2 Cardinals, 5 Juncos, and 3 White-throated Sparrows.
11/16/08 - HARRY the HAIRY WOODPECKER continues!! A Red-tailed Hawk was hanging around. Finally, 2 first-of-fallAmerican Goldfinches came to my new upside down thistle feeders. I made a separate finch feeding area in the yard, and I guess it worked!
11/15/08 - HARRY the HAIRY WOODPECKER finally showed up in the yard today after not being seen for a long time!! He was eating suet throughout the morning. A male White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 White-throated Sparrows, a Titmouse, 4 House Finches, and lots of Blue Jays and Cardinals were here today too.
11/8/08 - A gorgeous RED-TAILED HAWK was making the Blue Jays crazy today! I'm not sure if the hawk got any food, because they probably scared it off. A Downy Woodpecker decided to start pecking at my front porch until it realized it was pecking on the metal overhang. I then peeked out the side window only to see 5 Cardinals, some Blue Jays, a White-throated Sparrow, and a Mourning Dove all hopping around the grass and leaves along the side of the house. Must have been some tasty treats over there. As I picked my cat up so she could see all the action, a CAROLINA WREN landed on the ground! I tried to tell my cat how exciting this was, but she seemed unimpressed.
11/2/08 - One CHIPPING SPARROW was feeding at dusk with 14 JUNCOS! What a sight to see. Also, I had my first-of-fall BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE this morning, while Mrs. Led-belly chowed down on suet and Blue Jays fought over peanuts. Today and yesterday I spied a pair of Tufted Titmice...yesterday was the first time this fall I have seen more than a single one. Maybe they will winter here.
10/30/08 - ELEVEN BLUE JAYS were going nuts for peanuts this morning. Five were in one tree alone!
10/29/08 - A first-of-fall DARK-EYED JUNCO arrived in my yard today - a beautiful, dark male.
10/19/08 - Both Mr. and Mrs. Led-belly were feeding together today, and I got great shots of Led-belly on the suet (click thumbnail below for all yard photos today). Also it was very exciting to see a first-of-fall White-breasted Nuthatch and White-throated Sparrow in the yard today. Winter is definitely on the way. Other highlights: a singing Carolina Wren, 5 House Finches, some Grackles, Cardinals, at least 7 Blue Jays (5 were under the feeder at once!), 3 Downy Woodpeckers, a Tufted Titmouse, and 5 Mourning Doves.
10/13/08 - Led-belly was "chup chupping" away in the trees this morning as I put the food out. He flew right onto the suet as I was hanging some of the feeders. I saw Led-belly with Mrs. Led-belly together a few days ago as well. There were 3 or 4 Grackles in the yard today feeding with a Mourning Dove under the suet. One little male House Finch was feeding on the ground too wth some House Sparrows. And a Tufted Titmouse was eating suet! A couple noisy Blue Jays were gathering the shelled peanuts this morning too.
9/28/08 - We have not seen Redbaby for a week and a half or so. I think that he may have gone to find his own territory. On the other hand, Led-belly has been seen almost every day since then. Also, a pair of Tufted Titmice has been hanging out at the feeders with the House Finches, and a few Common Grackles have started hanging around too. A few Downy Woodpeckers and Blue Jays are also present. Blue Jay migration has been evident locally in the last few days, but the Blue Jays in our yard usually stay year-round.
9/13/08 - We have been consistently seeing REDBABY in the yard most evenings for the past week or two. Lots of House Finches and 4 or 5 Downy Woodpeckers continue in the yard, and also many Blue Jays. It's a little late, but a female baby Cardinal must have fledged a couple weeks ago, because she constantly follows her daddy around begging for food. Common Grackles are usually feeding in the afternoons and evenings lately too. Boxer the squirrel is living in Van's former squirrel box.
8/26/08 - Tonight I saw REDBABY the Red-bellied Woodpecker at the feeders, and I was finally able to tell that he is a MALE. His red feathers on top of his head have started coming in, and he was eating suet and black-oil sunflower seed!! There are still many Blue Jay juveniles in the yard, and also MANY House Finches (almost 15) tonight. About 3 days go, we had a Gray Catbird pass through.
8/12/08 - I tried to get a photo of the molting baby House Finch but couldn't - the little boy is getting red feathers on each side, and it's so cute. I did manage to get a pair of adults (see below). Also, 6 Downy Woodpeckers were in the yard tonight sharing suet. A Blue Jay called out while 3 female Red-winged Blackbirds grazed on the ground. Bowzer the "Blue-winged Warbler" Pigeon was feeding with his flock of many other Pigeons. Here are some pictures to click on:
8/6/08 - 8:27 pm - almost fully dark - and Boyd the Robin is singing away outside! He often sings as it is getting dark, and sometimes we hear him singing when it's fully dark. At around 5:45 pm today, we saw a female American Goldfinch eating from the thistle sock, so this confirms the Goldfinch pair has stayed here this summer. I saw the male in bright, gorgeous plumage on July 27. We've got at least a dozen House Finches grazing on thistle, and there are probably more than that. Also today: 2 Downys, a Red-bellied WP calling, a couple cute Grackle babies, 4 Red-winged Blackbirds (3 males, 1 female), about 5 Blue Jays, a couple Mourning Doves, and the other usuals. There is a new squirrel resident in the box. Peek-A-Boo moved out a few months ago and Boxer (the new squirrel) is in!
7/26/08 - This evening in the yard Bob and I saw REDBABY eating suet and singing the trilling Red-bellied Woodpecker song for all to hear. We think she is a girl, but there is still barely any hint of red on the head area. We heard but did not see a male Cardinal singing away. We did see a juvie female Cardinal though. There were at least a dozen HOUSE FINCHES on the feeders after I filled them up. I think there must be more too, since they fly down from the leafy tree limbs and it's hard to count them all, so it looks like a lot of babies were born recently. The juvie Blue Jays and Downy Woodpeckers continue, but I have not seen the baby Grackles or Starlings much lately. A few Red-winged Blackbirds (mostly males) eat from the feeders toward the evening hours.
7/5/08 - REDBABY alert!! Mr. and Mrs. Led-belly's brand-new offspring landed in the yard today. It is a VERY young new Red-bellied Woodpecker who is already very good at eating from the suet feeder and fighting off aggressive Starlings and Grackles. It does not even have any black and white on the upper back yet. I cannot tell the sex of the bird yet. So exciting!! Also, the House Wren, the Mockingbird, and the Flicker are heard singing every day.
7/3/08 - I have been wondering where all the Blue Jay babies are, since we usually have about 6 or 7 adults in the yard at any one time (I estimate about 5 pairs total). Well, I am wondering no more: This morning I stepped out into a full chorus of baby Blue Jay cries and whining. There were approximately 2 DOZEN Blue Jays in my backyard. It was SO awesome. A parent would fly across the yard and 5 babies would follow, all begging for food. Everywhere I turned I saw and heard the babies and the adults who were trying to placate them all. I don't know why they all of a sudden appeared on this morning all at once, because there were certainly a few families comprising this large group. But whatever the reason, it was a great sight to see (and hear)! Also seen today: Led-belly, a House Wren, Grackle adults and babies, many Downy Woodpecker adults and babies, House Finches, a male Red-winged Blackbird, a Northern Mockingbird, a Tufted Titmouse, Boyd the Robin, and the Northern Flicker.
6/15/08 - I was so excited to see and hear a HOUSE WREN today! I had thought I heard one yesterday, but it's confirmed! The bird was singing its heart out. Also, got some photos of new baby Downy Woodpeckers, and I saw one baby female House Finch, and the baby Grackles and Starlings are as brazen as ever. I saw at least 6 Blue Jays. The Mockingbird was singing a litany of songs and a pair of male and female Red-winged Blackbirds were eating at the feeders...click on photos below:
6/12/08 - Today I finally saw the female BALTIMORE ORIOLE as she fed in some trees in the backyard. Up until now, I've only seen the male. Other surpises today were a Gray Catbird, a Chimney Swift flyover, a Tufted Titmouse, and a total of 7 House Finches. A single Goldfinch was eating from the upside down thistle feeder.
5/31/08 - Lots of babies are in the yard! There are 6 baby Starlings and 2 baby Grackles so far, and I'm eagerly awaiting more sightings. Led-belly made a grand appearance today on the seed and nut feeder, while fending off a Red-winged Blackbird and some Grackles. 4 Blue Jays were scooping up peanuts while the squirrels tried to grab them too. China the squirrel was FINALLY back in the yard as of yesterday, much to my relief after not seeing her for weeks and weeks. I got some more photo of her today. Also, Boyd the Robin was picking around under the feeders too.
5/29/08 - Baby Grackle alert!! I saw a cute little baby Grackle getting fed by its mom in the yard today. YEAH! Also, 4 Starling babies are now in the yard, and they make a racket when they beg for food. It's so adorable. Also, Jefferson the Groundhog is out there right now (see home page for photos). The American Goldfinch pair is still hanging around, and at least 5 House Finches are regularly feeding from the thistle sock feeders.
5/24/08 - Today I saw one of the Northern Mockingbirds on a fence in the backyard. Also, even though I know they are non-native birds, I was still excited to see the first baby of the spring in my yard: a little Starling who was foraging for food with one of its parents in the yard. It flew very unsteadily and was calling to the parent to feed it! VERY cute. I call them "puffers" because they look like little gray puffballs. Also in the yard today: Mrs. Led-belly, 5 Blue Jays, 1 male Goldfinch, 4 House Finches, 1 Robin, 5 Mourning Doves, 1 Downy Woodpecker, and 5 Grackles.
5/18/08 - I'm excited to report that the BALTIMORE ORIOLE pair is back in the yard. I saw the male last night. I thought I had heard him singing yesterday morning - that beautiful flute-like song - and this evening I saw him high in a tall tree. I am going to see if I can spot the nest. Also, check out who else has been a regular visitor for the past week (click on thumbnail):
5/7/08 - Got some more photos of the Northern Mockingbirds (click on the photo below). We have 4 or 5 HOUSE FINCHES that have been enjoying the thistle seed that most of the Goldfinches have abandoned. There are still a couple Goldfinches around, but most have moved on. Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Robins all seem to be staking out territory and nesting in or near the yard. I can't wait to see the little babies!!
4/27/08 - The Northern Mockingbird pair has been extremely vocal lately. When we were barbecuing this evening, I got a photo of one of the birds eating berries in the very back of the yard. Here are the photos (click thumbnail):
4/20/08 - I got couple pictures of Croton the American Crow today (see below)! He was right in the yard, crowin' away. A Blue Jay came by and harassed him. The Northern Flicker has been here every day since the 16th now - I hope he is nesting nearby. Over the past few days, I've had a CHIPPING SPARROW, beautiful breeding plumage White-throated Sparrows, molting Goldfinches, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Grackles, Led-belly, and a very loud Northern Mockingbird, who is the source of my confusion over the past few days. I thought a Carolina Wren was calling, but it really sounded "off." Finally I realized today that it is the Mocker - he started blasting through his whole repertoire and then he popped into view! 
4/16/08 - A NORTHERN FLICKER loudly announced itself yesterday as it sat on top of my garbage can in the front yard! It was here again today, and I hope this means it will nest near or in the yard! Many of the male Goldfinches are in beautiful plumage already. A large hawk swooped into a tree, but I couldn't tell if it was a Sharpie or a Cooper's Hawk. In any case, it sure cleared the yard in a split second. Led-belly was eating from the suet feeder, and a couple male Red-winged Blackbirds have been calling loudly: females wanted!
3/30/08 - This morning I looked out the window only to see a huge AMERICAN CROW walking around the lawn! I've named him Croton. He's really big, and the funny thing is, the Blue Jays and other birds did not seem bothered by him one bit. Also, we now have over 30 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES every day at the feeders, many molting and becoming much brighter yellow.
3/21/08 - Another SONG SPARROW was scratching around under the feeders today. Also, one very young male Red-winged Blackbird was in the yard...his wing was just getting red and he looked very mottled still. Both Mr. and Mrs. Led-belly made appearances too!
3/15/08 - A very vocal SONG SPARROW graced the yard later this afternoon. It was feeding with some House Sparrows 2 Mourning Doves, and 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. Many Goldfinches were also feeding from all three thistle feeders.
3/9/08 - The COMMON GRACKLE flock continues to increase, with the total number over 100 now. A few Red-winged Blackbirds are mixed in, along with Starlings. To my surprise, one of the CAROLINA WRENS showed itself this evening. I am so happy, because that means they did not leave the yard. The pair is probably still nesting here and will hopefully stay around this spring. I had not seen one for a few weeks. Also today: 1 flyover Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, a few Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 Downys, 1 CROW (woke up me calling), lots of Blue Jays and Cardinals, and 1 very bright male American Robin, plus the other usual suspects.
3/1/08 - Another mixed flock of blackbirds swooped down on the yard today. This time I did not see any Brown-headed Cowbirds, but there were lots of COMMON GRACKLES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and STARLINGS. It was very active in the yard today. Other visitors included 1 Tufted Titmouse, 4 Blue Jays, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, at least 20 American Goldfinches (definitely highest count so far this winter), 13 Juncos, 1 Robin, 8 White-throated Sparrows, 2 Mourning Doves, 3 Cardinals, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, and 1 Black-capped Chickadee.
2/27/08 - A flock of mixed blackbirds descended on the yard this morning! There were about 35 COMMON GRACKLES, 3 or 4 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, about 25 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, and 30 or so STARLINGS. It was pretty wild to see them all come down at once...like a mini version of "The Birds."
2/21/08 - Spring can't be far away, because today I had a calling male Red-winged Blackbird in the yard, along with 3 Common Grackles. Both birds are yard regulars spring through fall, and they are probably scoping out areas to nest. One American Robin has been hanging out in the yard lately. A Cooper's Hawk was scaring the 13 American Goldfinches, while 7 Blue Jays tried to mob the hawk. Many Juncos and White-throated Sparrows were present also.
2/17/08 and 2/18/08 - I counted birds again for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Highlights included a Cooper's Hawk (who took a Pigeon from under the feeders), 10 American Goldfinches (high count for the winter), Harry the Hairy Woodpecker, a Carolina Wren, a flyover Turkey Vulture, and 3 White-breasted Nuthatches. Mrs. Led-belly also made an appearance, and I got this great photo. Click it for a slideshow of more photos:
2/16/08 - I counted birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count today. I was lucky to have a Cooper's Hawk as the first bird I saw. After he left, many birds flew in, including a five AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (see photo below), a Carolina Wren, TWELVE Blue Jays, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and many White-throated Sparrows (see photo below) and Juncos, plus lots more. 
2/12/08 - Two AMERICAN CROWS descended upon the yard today! I first heard one calling, then it came down and grabbed some of the cracked corn I put out for the squirrels. It flew, but not 30 seconds later, the pair flew into a couple of trees in the yard. Ten or so Blue Jays were completely nonplussed; they simply wanted to scoop up their peanuts and get on with it! One American Robin continues making the yard a regular spot to visit. And a record-high count for this winter of THREE AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were eating from the upside down thistle feeder also. The word is spreading...
2/3/08 - It is with great relief that I finally spotted China the squirrel in the yard today after many weeks of not seeing her. She had a tail injury - looks like she broke it or got it caught in something, and it just hangs on the ground from the middle to the end if it - and I thought it might have done her in. But no! She looks great. Also, for the first time in many weeks, I have TWO GOLDFINCHES in the yard - a female appeared today and joined the male who has been here alone for weeks. I also finally got some photos of Mr. Shrubs today:
1/31/08 - There was an AMERICAN ROBIN in the yard this evening at dusk! I usually get Robins in spring and summer, but they are a very occasional winter visitor to the yard. Also seen today: White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy WP, 7 Cardinals, 3 White-throated Sparrows, 2 Juncos, 2 Blue Jays, and lots of squirrels.
1/27/08 - I spotted 2 TURKEY VULTURES flying over the yard today! Beautiful birds in flight. This morning while putting out the food: 1 American Goldfinch, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 6 Blue Jays, 1 Cardinal, 1 Downy Woodpecker, House Sparrows, and the Pigeon Brigade!
1/18/08 - Big Cooper's Hawk flying around today and scaring all the Pigeons! He attempted twice to dive in and get one from the flock, but no luck so far...
1/17/08 - This morning the Blue Jays returned after a few days' absence, scooping up the peanuts I throw out for the squirrels. The lone GOLDFINCH has been here again for the past two days feeding on the thistle socks, and the CAROLINA WRENS have been actively feeding around the yard. The wrens are especially active at dusk, joining the 9 or 10 Cardinals under the feeders. A small flock of Juncos and White-throated Sparrows has been showing up at dawn each morning lately, along with a few Black-capped Chickadees and a family of 3 Tufted Titmice. I also have seen a small White-breasted Nuthatch every morning when I put the food out. He's so small that I keep mistaking him for a Red-breasted Nuthatch (wishful thinking) but then I get a good look and I see what he really is.
1/1/08 - HAPPY 2008!!! My first bird heard in 2008: Blue Jay. My first bird seen in 2008: White-throated Sparrow. Here's my complete yard list for the first day of the year: 2 Black-capped Chickadees, 1 American Goldfinch, 3 Blue Jays, 6 White-throated Sparrows, 1 Carolina Wren, 4 Tufted Titmice (yard high count for this winter so far), about 40 Starlings, 3 Downy Woodpeckers, 2 Juncos, 8 Cardinals, about 100 (gulp) Pigeons, about 75 House Sparrows, Mrs. Led-belly, 1 Mourning Dove, and 2 White-breasted Nuthatches.
12/31/07 - Happy New Year's Eve everyone. Have fun tonight! Today is the second day in a row that a small, fast Sharp-shinned Hawk has been stalking the feeders. When I put the food out, a Titmouse was screaming bloody murder, so I knew something was up. I went inside and looked out the window, and the hawk zipped into a pine tree, feathers flew and loud screeching ensued, and a female Cardinal flew out and away very quickly. I don't know if the hawk actually captured anything though. Also, the lone Goldfinch is back eating thistle from the upside down feeder. I heard a Red-belly this morning, but I don't know if it was Led-belly or Mrs. Led-belly.
12/28/07 - I FINALLY got a couple photos of Harry the Hairy Woodpecker (click on photo below). He is camera shy. Also in the yard today: a big hawk, almost definitely a Cooper's Hawk. 
12/27/07 - An American Goldfinch finally discovered my new upside down thistle feeder. Click the photo below to enlarge. Hopefully more will follow suit, and also hopefully they will attract some Redpolls too! 
12/22/07 - Harry the Hairy Woodpecker was eating from the suet feeder today. A Sharpie was menacing the sparrows and pigeons, and may have grabbed one in the air, but I couldn't tell if he got it or not. And a flock of 11 Common Grackles appeared this morning for about an hour, eating suet and flipping over leaves on the ground. I haven't had a Grackle in the yard for a few months now.
12/19/07 - A Chipping Sparrow appeared at the feeders very early this morning. A rare and wonderful treat. He looked so tiny compared to the Titmouse sitting next to him!
12/18/07 - It is with great relief that I spotted Led-belly in the yard today. I have not seen him for about 2 months, at least. I've only been seeing Mrs. Led-belly. Today, they were both feeding from the suet. Also, two squirrels continue to inhabit Van's old house/squirrel box today, so I can safely assume they have made it their winter nest. Mr. Shrubs keeps an eye on the box and tried to climb the tree trunk today, but I shooed him away. The squirrels were sounding their alarm calls, but they calmed down once the cat was gone.
12/16/07 - The HERMIT THRUSH was back again today! Also, a gorgeous FOX SPARROW showed up for a few minutes, along with a yard record high this winter of 16 Juncos and 4 White-throated Sparrows! A Red-tailed Hawk zoomed by the window too. 6 Blue Jays scrambled and competed for the peanuts today, but the squirrels still managed to get the most.
12/15/07 - A lovely HERMIT THRUSH made a guest appearance for a minute or two today. It was scratching around in the leaves with 5 Juncos and 2 White-throated Sparrows. Also, I confirmed 5 Downy Woodpeckers, which is a high count for the yard this winter. Another exciting thing is that the squirrel box is once again inhabited. I saw TWO squirrels climb out of the hole onto the top, and one began grooming the other. SO CUTE! Other birds today: 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Red-belly (Mrs. Led-belly), 5 Blue Jays, 4 Cardinals, 1 WB Nuthatch, 2 MoDos, 1 House Finch (male), and 9 flyover Canada Geese.
12/8/07 - I was thrilled to see a female adult YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER in the yard today! At first glance I thought it was a Downy chasing a White-breasted Nuthatch from the suet, but on closer inspection it was a YB Sap. She only stayed for about one minute, flying to a high tree limb and then setting off to the northeast. Also, I had TWO SONG SPARROWS...I've only just seen a single one so far this fall/winter.
12/6/07 - This morning when I threw the peanuts (with shells) out like I do every morning onto the lawn, 5 or 6 Blue Jays came and scooped them up. They do this on a regular basis and are used to my presence. They will swoop right down a few feet away from me to collect a nut with no fear. One guy took multiple ones in his beak at the same time.
12/4/07 - Still sick and only birding my feeders. Today I had a high count for this fall of FOUR Downy Woodpeckers. Also, a beautiful Northern Flicker graced the yard, perching on some small branches of a tree that appears to have some seeds on the ends of the branches. Other birds today are the regulars who have been hanging around this fall so far: a pair of Carolina Wrens (nesting in the same tree that the Flicker was eating from), 4 White-breasted Nuthatches, a large family of Cardinals (11 is the high count so far), 6 Blue Jays, 2 Tufted Titmice, 7 Juncos, a few Black-capped Chickadees and White-throated Sparrows, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, a few House Finches, and the other usuals: Pigeons, Starlings, and House Sparrows. No sign of the 8 or so American Goldfinches that were here for a few weeks in early November. They left when it got a bit warmer a week or so ago.
12/2/07 - Two NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS appeared in the back of the yard today. I haven't seen a Mocker here in months. YEAH!! Also, a very hungry Sharpie was moving with lightening speed into the shrubs trying to grab a sparrow. I'm not sure if it succeeded.
11/23/07 - I have been home sick with pneumonia for almost 4 weeks now, and I have only been able to bird my own feeders. I miss going into the field, but....What a day today turned out to be!! After waiting and waiting for a winter finch to arrive, I got a new yard bird today: PURPLE FINCH- one beautiful female. I ALMOST dismissed it as an odd-looking White-throated Sparrow at my first quick glance. But luckily I picked up the binoculars and was thrilled to see what it really was. She appeared on and off about 4 times throughout the day, drinking from the bird bath at least 3 times. Also today, I had a FOX SPARROW, which I've only had in the yard once or twice previously. And I had a SONG SPARROW too, along with the other usual birds. What a great day!!