The morning started very quietly.  No sign of the usual Goldfinches
or House Finches around the thistle and sunflower feeders.  Close inspection
showed why - it was because a Sharp-shinned Hawk had decided to take
temporary residence quite close to the feeders.  After watching him for
several minutes, I stepped out and walked toward him - and got within 20
feet before he reluctantly flew away.
 
        A little later, I stepped out another door - and was treated to the
arrival of a Pileated Woodpecker, as it lit in one of our oak trees.  This
bird proceeded to whack away at various branches of the tree, until suddenly
it found itself under attack.  The Sharpie had re-appeared, and made a quick
dive at the Pileated.  That action was repeated four more times.  Usually
the Pileated just squawked and jumped to another branch; a couple of times
the Pileated even took flight, but it seemed to be quite disgusted with the
Sharpie, yet not really fearful.  After all, the target bird was quite a bit
larger than the attacker.  After the fifth pass, the Sharpie gave up, and
the Pileated returned to its hammering - until it saw me - and then it flew
away.
 
        I presume the Sharpie was trying to drive away what it saw as
another large bird that might have been a hunting competitor.  Surely the
Sharpie could not have been intending to make a meal of the Pileated.
Anyhow, I would certainly give the Sharpie credit for being quite
aggressive.  Think Big!
        
        Later in the morning there were other birds  on our property beside
Leeds Creek  - Four Fox Sparrows were feasting at my feeding spot along the
driveway, sharing the food with a dozen White-throats and a Song Sparrow.
At least 3000 Common Grackles passed over the property in one long flock.
More than 200 Robins were around.  And there were Cedar Waxwings, Blue Jays,
Blue Birds, a Carolina Wren, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  Quite an
interesting morning.
 
Les Roslund

Talbot County
Easton MD 21601