Re[2]: Totally awesome feeder bird

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Howdy all!

Tom, I'd have to say that's a good guess [Dickcissel] for a
rare feeder bird.  And Mike, I like your hints--intriguing.

Hint 1: It was eating seed.

     This, of course, narrows the field.  However, I do not
know if was taking seed from the ground or the feeder.  I
also do not know if the feeder is hanging or stationary.  I
also do not know the type of seed, although sunflower seed
is a safe bet.

Hint 2: It has appeared on the DC area RBA but not for some
time.

     "Not some time" could mean several months or several
years.  My guess is several months--like last winter for
instance.  If it made the DC RBA, it discounts all the
normal, regularly occuring feeder birds.  It also discounts
some of the breeders/migrants which sometimes frequent
feeders, like Indigo Bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Hint 3: It's a gorgeous bird.

     Tough one.  A Dusky Warbler would constitute a
"gorgeous" bird to me, but it's *very* drab.  I take it that
this individual actually has some color.

Hint 4: It is a native species.

     This is also a little tricky.  Native permanent
resident?  Or native seasonally?  My guess is the former.
This rules out goodies like the Painted Bunting that was
reported a couple winters ago in Delaware.

     In conclusion, I'd have to say Dickcissel or Pine
Warbler would be at the top of my list for this fantastic
bird although Pine Warbler may not be fantastic to some of
you (I have yet to have one visit my feeder).

-Greg Miller
Lusby, MD

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