I had to take down the sock feeder. I notice that someone keeps putting holes in them. I am guessing that it's a squirrel try the food and then realizing that it hates nyjer seeds. So far that's my fourth sock that got chew through, so I am not going to use socks any more. The temperature has dropped again and now there's mega-number of gold finches again. They are numerous enough that they are now eating from the sunflower feeder, too.

Very nice photo of a cute little bird, who doesn't quite seem to grasp that it's standing on food. Claire

I also have a tube feeder. I notice other birds and critters (chipmunks, etc.) eat the leftovers that fall to the ground. I would think it's a combo of hulls and seeds, unless the hulls are yummy for the other birds. I did put a tray on the feeder, and that was a disaster. I had a chipmunk who made himself at home in the tray, and once I saw the HOSPs in the tray, I took it down. Squirrels also tried to get in, but it wasn't big enough for them. So, I'm thinking it's more than just hulls dropping into the tray, but I could be wrong.

Yes, sometimes this IDing the birds thing can make a newbie feel like she's gone a little "around the bend" as they say! :) Especially with all the species that are brown with stripes! LOL Thanks for writing, though, I appreciate the thought. I did realize that a photo would have made a huge difference in people being able to help me out, so I am going to keep my camera by my side and get my DH to work with me on posting photos. Thanks again for writing - I check in here every day because I haven't enjoyed anything like backyard birding in a long time. Your humor was appreciated. :)