Interesting about the shells! I'm sure I've seen shells in open places before too. I have at least 4 breeding pairs of goldfinches visiting the nyjer feeder now. I've seen 6 at once of which 4 were males, and 4 females together at a different time so who knows how many are around. I found a pair of Grey Catbirds in my cedar this morning. They looked like they were building a nest, although I doubt it would be in my cedar because it's pretty big and open.

Am fascinated by the beautiful Painted Bunting, so have been reading up on it. Most of you probably already knew these things, but will post what I have learned, just in case P B Facts: Member of Cardinal family. Bright colored with blue head, green back and red stomach is male. Drab colored green is female. Shy, difficult to see. Mostly monogmous. Sometimes hops along on ground. Seed eater. Oklahoma is one of its Summer breeding areas. At one time was a captured, caged bird, but now illegal. Is nearing endangered list, especially on East Coast due to losing habitat to industry and construction. The most colorful bird in America. Thanks to Dawn's and Gayle's suggestion, I am going to buy Millet seed to add to my feeders, as I want them to be repeat visitors, along with my many other bird visitors. As I have said before, my favorite gardening poem on "My Page" expresses how I feel about life. Jeanie

We've got three of these pecking in the grass under the birdfeeder right now! I only remember seeing one of these a few years ago, so it seems to be a relatively new bird in our area. Your profile just says USA so I don't know if you are in the East or West? We are on Vancouver Island.

Stunning pictures as usual!!