The Brown Thrasher that has been seen by us every single day we have 
been at home since January 1, 2007, was still around his afternoon, 
looking rather furtive but coming in regularly for suet on one of our 
suet feeders, and coming also for peanuts on our deck rail.  This 
bird has probably been with us since last November, when we first 
glimpsed a Thrasher in the back yard.

Among the sparrows, juncos, and doves under our feeders and 
slush-laden azalea bushes this afternoon was a FOX SPARROW, the first 
one we have seen in the yard since 1993.  Our local Northern 
Mockingbird has taken a liking to peanuts, and visits one of our 
peanut feeders numerous times during the day.  This is the first 
winter that we have seen a Mocker doing this.  Normally, Mockingbirds 
visit the heated bird bath but do not eat at the feeders.

Sorry, no American Pipits in sight anywhere round here!!

Mike Bowen
inside the Washington Beltway
Bethesda

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom