I had a male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK at the feeder yesterday morning after
not seeing one for several weeks.
For the past few days, I've had a male DOWNY WOODPECKER drinking from my
hummingbird feeder. He sticks his bill into the hole as far as possible,
then laps up the liquid with his tongue. He's been escorting a juvenile to
the feeders, and we even witnessed him transfer some of the liquid to the
juvenile.
This morning fellow birder Clyde from Chesterfield and I went to check out
the neighborhood swamp and found a SCARLET TANAGER, which was a life bird
for him. We also saw at least four GREEN HERONS, GREAT BLUE HERON, EASTERN
PHOEBE, EASTERN WOOD PEWEE, EASTERN KINGBIRD, RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS,
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, MALLARDS, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, AND GRAY CATBIRD.
The RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS have been visiting my feeder frequently. Photo
here: http://flickr.com/photos/rlechols/2536059029/
Also, the four HOUSE FINCH eggs in the hanging basket on the front porch
hatched yesterday.
Rachel Echols
Chester, VA
