All I can say is I hope I get some verbena bonariensis seeds in our swap this year! I have been wanting to try that one for a while and if it attracts golden finches it adds up to its interest. I have lots of birds in the garden, but apparently less in Summer than at other seasons. I wonder why? Could it be because many migrate North during our hot Summer months? Swallows do come her for Summer though. Once we see them, we know Spring has arrived for sure and Summer will follow soon. I need to cut back some overgrown plants but I need to do it carefully since I'm finding nests around different plants in the garden as I go. The latest I found was in the quince tree! I didn't realize there was a nest there until quite recently. However, all my nests seem to be empty now. Is this normal? I've noticed the major attraction for birds in my garden is the pyracantha hedge. In Winter, when it is at its best, the birds flock there and feast at a time when not much is available in terms of food. They strip the hedge completely of its berries during January and February, our coldest months. At times the hedge seems to be alive with so many birds in it. Eduarda

I saw the bird feeder on sale hmm have you fill it up with safflower I do a mix of sunflower and safflower but I got way toooooo many sparrows

Hi Lisa, I really know nothing about bird illness. The only thing I could think of was the relatively sudden change of air temperature (it's been the same here in Massachusetts - unseasonably COLD - but I bet it's even colder where you are). I did read that sudden changes in air temperature can affect birds' energy levels (a study done in Scotland). But I don't know whether the way your bird looks could be explained by something like that. Our birds here are still pretty lively and doing the usual things. Is the bird eating or drinking? Is it losing feathers? I wish that I could be more helpful. Would the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site have information? They seem to be a good place to refer to. Best of luck, I know you care so much about the birds.

Nice pics everyone! Chickadees are rather easy to tame. When your feeder runs out of seed and your birds are eagerly looking for more, stand very nearby to the feeder with sunflower seeds in your outstretched hand and softly whistle and mimic their songs. Go out several times a day and It won't take too long before they begin to get really close up and then one hops onto your hand. There's something really special about having them gain your trust and eagerly following you and landing upon your head or shoulders. I've had them fly long distances across the yard to visit me, so keep some sunflower seeds in your pocket. If you have cats or a dog that would go after them, then not such a great idea to tame the birds.