Hi All,
         This morning, the many Robins were present again, not so much
grazing on the hawthorns as bathing in the small creek I have the great
fortune of having, that runs under my driveway. I always stop there on my
way in if I have a few minutes, to see what drama is unfolding near the
water. Today was pure delight! I had planned on only 5 or so minutes, but
every time I thought it was time to get back up the drive to my household
duties, another bird would keep me there. The aforementioned hawthorn
attracted several Golden-crowned Kinglets and 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, the
first for my yard this season.Just as I was about to move on, a flock of
maybe 20-30 White-throated Sparrows fell out of the sky right in front of
me. Some were quite handsome! Also, the first of these for my yard this
fall. I did finally get to pull up right over the creek and watched as many
Robins and White-throats bathed in the water. As the splashing died down
some and I was ready to face the house, a movement caught my eye and there
was a White-eyed Vireo. Next, in the jewelweed below me, up popped a
gorgeous White-crowned Sparrow! I only see 1or 2 of these each winter. As I
was admiring it, along came 2 more, first year birds this time. Okay, the
house is calling me, but wait!, there on the gravel driveway in front of my
car, lands a Red-breasted Nuthatch! Again, a first for the season. All the
while these little jewels are dropping in, there are Chickadees, Titmice,
Cardinals, a couple of Downies, a calling Flicker, Starlings (yuck), one
Song Sparrow, and many noisy White-breasted Nuthatches surrounding me. What
a hot little spot of activity. It was REALLY hard to pull myself away. That
5 minutes turned into 50, and what do you know, the housework was still
there when I arrived on the doorstep. Darn!


Sharon Schwemmer
Hampstead,MD