I don't notice redpolls around here in the summer, they must go further north with the snow buntings. I was wondering though when the Whiskey Jacks start nesting, because they're one of the first fledglings out in the spring. I thought it might be why they were out and about and maybe came to the feeder to look for suitors? We've started calving now and every year I note in my records when the crows and then the geese show up. Last year crows showed up on March 9th and the first geese on March 23rd. They seem to send out scouts first then the bigger flocks show up a bit later. But I think I saw crows a few days ago and it wouldn't surprise me becasue of the mild spell we had in February, but I always second guess myself this time of year between crows and ravens :( Gil, " Build it and they will come" . It took a couple seasons way out where I am to get the birds coming regularly, but its amazing how fast they figure it out once a few have started. I remember the panic I felt when a bird would show up to check out the feeder and it would be empty! I'd drop everything and run out and fill it hoping I didn't totally freak them out! I'm a hopeless birder :)

The goldfinches are enjoying the new thistle sock I had to buy yesterday and interestingly, Ted, through all the bear visits I've had here not once have they ever got into the garbage can. However, Friday night's visitor was trying to get to the can I keep the sunflower seed in. He was standing on the ground in front of the porch, with his front legs through the railing and wrapped around the can like huge furry arms, trying to pull it to him. They often traverse the yard and don't touch a thing. I know they've been here 'cause they take out the fence when they go through. Susie

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

We have 2 markets. One runs Tuesday and Saturday, the other every other Sunday. Every Tuesday has been rainy and cold, while Saturdays and Sundays have been beautiful. We keep having record breaking weekend days, with Tuesdays well under par. We only have plants for sale at this point, but we move a LOT of them. Plant season is winding down, and we are sold out of a lot, so sales should be dropping drastically as of this weekend. As usual, everything got in the garden late, so we will have a bit of a lull for a few weeks.