We normally have purple finches (either individuals or very small groups) 
visit sporadically in winter at our feeders.  However this winter was 
exceptional; in December they were seen weekly, but starting the last week 
(since 12/26) they come daily.  There are normally at least two feeding at 
once.  Although I have only seen a high count of 6 at the feeder at one 
time, I have seen various combinations of either all males, all females or 
a mix, and I would guess there may be 10 to 15 in total in our immediate 
area.  Not a plethora, but their daily consistency is very welcome.  I 
hope they return with more offspring next winter!

Similarly, I have also enjoyed daily feeder visits (also since late 
December) from brown creeper and yellow-bellied sapsucker, to our suet 
stations.  There are at least two of each of these species at our house 
this winter, but I have only seen them feed one individual at a time.  In 
past winters they normally are always present, but feed only 
intermittently at the feeders.  The daily consistency this winter was 
exceptional, and I think this is odd given the mildness of weather here 
this January and February.

Jeff Shenot
Croom MD