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

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

That's a beautiful viburnum in the above post! I am trying to landscape for wildlife in my yard, and this has been such a useful thread! So far, in my yard, a large holly seems to be the "favorite" of most wildlife. The birds use it for shelter year round, and it comes alive with bees in the spring when it flowers. Much of the recent plantings I have made (I only moved into my current house ~3 years ago) haven't been super succesful in attracting wildlife. I suspect the problem is that my yard is in the midst of a suburban residential area that almost entirely consists of manicured, empty green lawns. Maybe my lone yard, diversely planted as it is becoming, just isn't enough attraction for most wildlife? Birds in particular seem few and far between, though I do notice a variety of bees and other pollinators in the spring. Sadly, my neighbor just cleared out all the undergrowth and brush in a small patch of woods on his property because, as he told me, he was "afraid of snakes." I am worried that the brush pile I am trying to create on my own property will not last long...the folks in this neighborhood like to complain about any landscaping that deviates from the manicured norm. But I am trying! Claire