We are presently watching by estimate over 100 birds at 5 stations. The vast majority are Pine Siskins. Their yellow edgings on the wings seem brighter. The few interspersed Goldfinch are yellowing. And there is a lone Junco or 2. 

7 Mourning Doves just landed. We had hardly any all winter. 8 Red Wings flew away several minutes ago. 1 bright red male Cardinal fed on the ground for a while until surrounded by Pine Siskins. He flew back to his perch and resumed singing in the Spring. 

The Siskins have been here over an hour. Since I am a semi-retired farmer and have time to watch, I have been figuring out ways to estimate them. Conservatively, I now estimate over 150 birds. There are only a few Goldfinch.

A large Crow, approximately 30 times larger than the Siskins arrived scattering them leaving time for a dozen Juncos to enjoy the quiet along with a Cardinal, a Downy Woodpecker and a few Chickadees.

And just as I am about to post this, a flock of 14 Common Grackles arrived, a first for the coming Spring. I am not sure if I should be happy about this appearance. I do not recall them visiting our feeders before. 

We received approximately 3 inches of wet, icy snow.

What next?

Tim Taylor

Sent from my iPad

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