Well it is now official the year of the RAT has begun. From what I've been reading on tweeters it began early for many of us. My RAT year began on New Year's Day with 2 black rats feeding at the base of my 2 bird feeders in my concrete/macadam townhouse environment. Seem to have gotten rid of those 2, but another came by at midnight last week. Don't know if I've gotten rid of it yet.

Anyway, according to the Chinese proverbs the Year of the Rat means that it's a special year. If true, I expect to have an awesome year. With 3 rats and counting, how could I possibly miss? Hope we all have a special year.

Happy birding,
Valerie Elliott
Olympia, WA