I had to Google because I don't think I've ever seen a Turkey Vulture...the wingspan can be over 6 feet! I've never seen any bird this large although the references say they are more prevalent in the south. I'd just as soon not meet one by seeing its shadow first...LOL Talk about omens! I dread this winter on behalf of the local wildlife. Because of the drought there will not be as many acorns, berries, seeds. We feed the birds yearround mostly for our own entertainment, but this winter it may be a case of survival for many birds, squirrels, chipmunks too. That's all we see as we live in suburbs. I know they're considered weedy trees but I'm growing a Sapium in a pot (sort of pseudo-Bonsai)and planned to not let it bloom/seed, just produce Fall colors. It is lovely peach-coral-red now, but the Sweetgums I planted are still mostly green. Ditto the native Sasafrass and even the Sumac. Darn it, this is my favorite season...I hope the color is just delayed waiting for rain and cold to get here. To be 75F again today. Thanks for the comet link, Suzy. I enjoyed reading the comments from all across the globe as it was tracked. I was tickled to see that Hale of Hale-Bopp comet fame was posting. Astronomy was one of those things I always said I'd study and kept putting off until old age...figured it would still be there and easy to study from my easy chair. The time is nigh. LOL josh

Wow, nice pictures! And what a crop of berries on that tree! Al, robins are insectivorous in the breeding season, but change to eating fruit the rest of the year. That's how they manage to winter over (which they do in some number all across the prairies - almost any well wooded area, where people are out looking, will have a few recorded on Xmas bird counts), and how they survive their early migrations in March, when few insects are out and snow may cover the ground. Seems like strange behavior but apparently many groups (warblers, vireos, thrushes, etc.) are fruit-eaters on their wintering grounds, but feed themselves and their young on insects during breeding. The reason I say it seems strange is because on the wintering grounds (e.g. Central/South America), I'd guess insects would be plentiful. Perhaps insects provide superior nutrition during breeding and nesting (protein?)...just a guess. Konrad, the young you see in late summer are most likely Cedar Waxwings (as these are the common breeders on the prairies) - they are easily distinguished by yellow undertail coverts (the area on the underside of the tail and vent area that's brown on Bohemians, visible on your excellent photos); they also have a different wing pattern. If you are interested, keep an eye out for cedar waxwings in your flocks of bohemians; they are normally migratory but it is not too uncommon for one or two to hang out with a flock of bohemians and winter over with them. And the closer you are to the mountains, the greater the likelihood of seeing the odd bohemian, out of range, in the summer. Yes, amazingly beautiful birds - always such a pleasure to see!

Ooooh, nothing like a garden in spring for bringing in the migrating birds! Sounds lovely, Gary. I really think purple martins are beautiful. That shiny purple-black coloration is remarkable, and they have the prettiest little heart shaped faces. Of course, you kind of have to see them close up to appreciate that, but still, they are sweet looking. You are right...they prefer their nests to have a long open "run way" leading up to it, and not be enclosed by a lot of trees. An open backyard or field with a pond or lake nearby is ideal for them. But still, to have them stop by your house is fun, I'm sure. The goldfinches I had during the cold snap (along with the fantastic summer tanager) have moved on. I have seen one or two single ones this past week, but they didn't stick around. The lone yellow-rumped warbler who fed every day with the summer tanager is still here, and still eating seed. (I swear, the birds don't read the books!!!) My white-winged doves have made one or two appearances at the feeder, but mostly, they are laying low again. They probably won't be very active for another few weeks, yet. The Carolina wren is very active and very vocal right now, and the cardinals are busy, but I haven't seen any cedar waxwings yet this year. And the great-crested flycatchers haven't arrived. I'm waiting to hear the first loud THREEEEP from them. I envy your painted buntings. Hope I get some this year, too. Marcia

Oh, I'm so jealous of your grosbeaks and redpolls, Pudge! I think my neighbor is feeding too well, because the grosbeaks are always hanging around there and I'm lucky if they pop by for a brief visit. I did get some Evening Grosbeaks in for a good feed this spring and again this fall. That was a thrill to spot them, as I hadn't seen them before. I haven't seen a redpoll for about 3 years now. I find them so cute. The last time I saw a flock of them was early in the spring/late winter. Do they stay around all winter? Someone told me once that they cycle...and I don't remember why...was it their migration pattern maybe? I'd be interested to know if someone had any thoughts on that. I also had my first White Breasted Nuthatch yesterday! Another cutie and fun to watch...very vocal. He was still here this evening. RE: salt and birds...I'm thinking they probably require certain amounts naturally and find it somewhere, but with bird feeder fast-food that contains salt, they might eat alot of it because its easy to get and therefore get too much salt. Sound familiar? ie. potato chips! Gil, I wonder if the nuthatches would like your suet bars? Toots