Caesalpinia gilliesii or Yellow Bird of Paradise, is native to Oklahoma, and root hardy to zone 7. Sandy, who frequents the forum, grows the C. pulcherrima from seed every year, but I don't know if she gets any volunteer seedlings from it or not. I grew it from seed this year, but it is still very small. Yellow Bird of Paradise is very pretty, too. It is a legume, in the Fabaceae family, and is apparently very drought hardy as well, once established. Supposedly, hummingbirds and butterflies love this native shrub. Heck, I love it, too. Susan Here is a link that might be useful: Yellow Bird of Paradise

StP=I wouldn't stop feeding the birds. What happens with Mother nature, stays with Mother Nature. I have a red shouldered hawk in my neighboring empty lot. He sometimes wakes me with his call. Lately I hear my cardinal pair off it the same lot and they are avoiding the feeders because of the hawks presence. Still, when they can, in the evening they will manage to sneak over and chomp on some seeds. Hawks are amazing critters. I also have a pair of swallow tail kites that circulate regularily. Magnificent birds. The do keep the smaller birds at bay at times, but I love to watch them display their sailing ability.

Hi, again. Original poster, here. Thanks for that link -- it's a very extensive list! Unfortunately, my mystery bird wasn't on there. I clicked on every single bird on the list, even ones I'm familiar with. I first heard him in my neighbor's woods about 10 acres away, but this evening I heard him in my own back yard. His call is a little shorter now, but it's still the same "ta-daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" A very clear, single-pitched whistle, no trills or warbles. Anyone else have a guess? My husband's out there now with the binoculars trying to locate him so we can get a better look. I am worried that he's someone's parrot or other type of exotic bird.

I guess we were rooting for Green Bay since Seattle beat the Redskins last week. And Brett Favre is pretty amazing to still be playing after all this time (Old for football)I can't believe how much it was snowing and a lot of those guys in short sleeve shirts!! I am also a Falcons fan since I'm a VA Tech alumni and Michael Vick is a VA Tech alumni too. Obviously don't agree with what he did, but I used to love to watch him!