Stuarts Draft, Augusta Co.
I've been confined to home for several weeks, recovering from a relapse of
Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The first episode landed me in the hospital for five
very long weeks and within two weeks after I retired the end of July. Talk
about a kick in the pants and most definitely not on my "things to do after I
retire" list. I did manage to see an eagle sail low across the hospital
grounds and a couple of nighthawks hawking around the lights from my hospital
room. Other than that it was crows and vultures and not-so appetizing hospital
food. I was very fortunate to have a lovely view of the Blue Ridge and access
to the internet to read the listserv postings and Vic Launach's daily reports
for the Rockfish Gap Hawkwatch.
My non-birding spouse remained faithful in keeping the feeders filled during my
absence and now that I'm back home I have time to observe
the activity.
An occasional accipiter shows up and the birds scatter in all directions.
Spills are enjoyed by the White-throated Sparrows, juncoes, cardinals and Blue
Jays. The inquisitive Carolina Wrens check out every nook and cranny on the
back deck, searching for an overlooked tasty morsel. Both Ruby- and Golden
Crowned Kinglets are heard and observed as they flit about the Leland Cypress
and Maple trees. Yesterday I saw the lovely red cap of one Ruby-crown as it
hung upside down from a small branch. The White-breasted Nuthatches often have
to muscle their way in to the feeder taken over by the goldfinches and house
finches to grab up a sunflower chip.
A short while ago as I was listening to the delightful song of a White-throated
Sparrow I discovered a female PURPLE FINCH at the feeder filling up on the
sunflower chips.
Now to see if I can catch a glimpse of the RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH I heard yesterday morning.
Brenda
Brenda Tekin
Stuart's Draft, VA
Blue Mountains Nature Photography
www.birdsofvirginia.com
Sent from my iPhone
