Well, one of the funniest things I remember seeing was a whole passel of birds and squirrels drunk on fermented dates and pyrocanthia berries--at least I guessed that's what it was. They were definitely drunk, and that's what they were eating. I'm sure they didn't think it was funny the morning after, though. Our most interesting bird is the scrub jay. They have absolutely no fear of humans and will eat nuts and seeds right out of your hand. The next most interesting is the huge pilliated woodpecker. Their call sounds just like the birds you hear in jungle movies. I've never seen a PB live and only occasionally do we get to see a finch in its loud colors. They're still in their winter feathers when they're down here. Last year I had a titmouse w/o a wife who made love to himself in every car mirror and window reflection he saw. He visited every single window in the house as the sun moved over the house, and he pooped all over our cars. He finally found a mate which saved my sanity.

Maybe this link would also help you out Georgia Kate. www.paintedbuntings.org My Florida friend has the PB's in the winter. I know that the green birds are just called "Greenies" because it's hard to know if you are looking at a female or a juvie male. The males are pretty obvious, aren't they?

how beautiful! i had a female bunting at my feeder for a couple of days last fall, but haven't seen her since. i really hope to see her and a male again! what sort of feed do they prefer?

Dangermouse, I think you're right that the location of the feeder is crucial. I read that the PB is very shy and as I watch him from my window that seems to be true. He actually prefers to eat the seed off the ground UNDER shrub limbs where he's hidden. If he does eat from the nearby feeder he flits right back to the shrubbery. I wonder if we have the Indigo around here for winter?