greetings,

During yesterday's rain I spent some time watching the feeder acitivity in
the yard. I was happy to se that my new Nyjer feeder is attracting finches,
though no northerly visitord yet. We had ten or so Flickers in the yard
punding away at the ground. Also present were a few robins with one
blackbird mixed in. I could see right away that this was a male Rusty
Blackbird! I got great looks at it!  Aside from that the only other notable
avian event was the arial assult from a Red-shouldered Hawk as it missed a
lucky squirrel that was on the suet feeder.  the raptor came to rest with
feet from were I was sitting on my back porch!  It didnt stay long and
disapeared across the cove a little while later.

Good Birding,
Chris Starling
North East, MD