I had a surprise yesterday (Saturday). A male Scarlet Tanager was eating
from my seed feeder. He was there for several minutes so I got a pretty good
look. I couldn't see the tail but he was yellow-green with black wings. I've
not seen one since we moved here three years ago. Has anyone had tanagers
eating from feeders?
And Friday I had another surprise. A hawk (probably Sharp-shinned) was on
the ground right outside our front window walking among the hostas and
shrubs looking for something. He was under the hummer feeder when we first
noticed him. Song Sparrows and House Finches and rabbits go in there at
times. But it seemed odd in this neighborhood with its manicured lawns and
ornamental fruit trees. I think he is the same hawk I've seen flying behind
the house. One time he caught some furry critter. Whatever he had was so
heavy he stopped for a minute to rest under the Leyland cypress trees behind
the houses.
Nancy Young
Botetourt County