Didn't take long for a local Sharp-shinned Hawk to discover all the finches and
siskins at my feeder. For the past 2 days, he shows up regularly at the
feeder. Almost swooped my head yesterday. I was standing on the deck,
harvesting some herbs, when I felt a rush and heard a whir of feathers. It's
amazing how fast those birds can fly! Later in the day, when I came back to
the house, there was another large bird on the deck. This time, it was a Ruffed
Grouse. Not sure if it was eating sunflower seeds as well, but it stayed for
quite a while, then flew to cover in the nearby trees.
I put out another feeder (platform type) as per Mike Purdy's advice, and the
siskins and finches continue to swamp the feeders. It's actually kind of neat
to see something else, like my old regulars, the Black-Capped Chickadees, RB
nuthatches, Downies, Juncos and goldfinches.
Patti
Patti Reum
Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat
2599 Bear Mountain Rd.
Monterey, VA. 24465
www.mountain-retreat.com
