Hi Dennis and All,

I too apparently have a bad case of nature-deficit disorder so I'm
spending a great deal of time in the dining room watching my feeder area
these days. I'm glad to know that is my problem. Along with others I
have enjoyed a rather large increase in the number of birds coming into
the yard to the seed and suet. I do live adjacent to a one acre
pond/lake so Mallards and Wood Ducks will be a part of the mix. I have
been pumping some water to keep a portion of the pond free of ice. About
an hour ago a VIRGINIA RAIL surprised the heck out of me when it briefly
joined with the ground-feeders. And yes, it did appear to be consuming
some of the seed. Interesting!

Two Slate-colored Juncos and one tan-striped White-throated Sparrow
would be considered the normal highlight visitors until this rail. I
better go back and see if a Sora shows up.

Cheers and happy feeder-watching,
Brad Waggoner
Bainbridge Island
mailto:wagtail at sounddsl.com