I'm trying some new trees and shrubs this year also. Ozark Chinquapin (Chestnut) Had to start from seed (from SW MO), as I couldn't find a vendor. Planted 4/1 and they are almost a foot high now. Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paperbush) (Grown from a cutting) Yellow Anisetree (Illicium parviflorum) Kousa Dogwoods, Snowboy & Milky Way Unusual Perennials I am trying: New Zealand Brass Buttons - A low growing ground cover with fern like foliage and tiny bright yellow flowers. Tasmanian Flax Lily - Yellow & Green variegated foliage, Has blue berries in fall. Calanthe bicolor - Pink & White flowers (terrestrial Orchid) I have had a Georgia Plume, Elliottia racemosa for several years and it has a lot of dieback during winter, even very mild winters. Is moisture(or probably, lack of) my problem? Any recommendations are welcome!

Thank you for your concern, I do appreciate it. Living in south Florida, I have tried to stay very informed on what can hurt me down here. :-) From what I understand, 80% of folks don't even know they have WNV and it is not easy to diagnose. If I remember correctly it takes a serology test. Those that have the mild version (which I believe would be me) have aches and itch and it goes away in a few days. The itch has already subsided. The severe version, which is uncommon, is the one that affects the central nervous system and most often occurs in the elderly and immunocompromised, of which I am neither. If my symptoms remain or change, I'll head in to the doc. Again, thank you for your concern. Here is a link that might be useful: CDC and West Nile

Pyrrhuloxia came up in our online search, but according to the info, we are not anywhere near its range and the markings of our bird are not quite right. The patches on the wings are almost orange. A leucistic Cardinal is a possibility, although the tail seems a little long for a cardinal. There are probably a lot of variations on the markings of these, so that could be it. It was still frantically fluttering around the barn this morning when we opened it up. Hopefully the bird will make its way out today. Thanks for the ideas!

Thanks Ken. Knock on wood, I don't have HOSP, though I did see some last fall and haven't seen any since, I remain vigilant and never assume they won't return. My blues have been AWOL here in the yard/nestbox since the last fledging on 7/3, but they are still in the neighborhood. If my memory serves me correctly, I think the blues began coming to the nestbox late Oct. or Nov. last year. This bird looked smaller than a HOSP with a tail looking much like a CAWR, but I could be wrong. You are so lucky to have your BB pair still around! I'm already looking forward to nesting season and winter has yet to roll in! Donna