Greetings, 

I have been home from work for the past couple of days and noticed that the 
avifauna is settling into its winter pattern here in my yard. White-Throated 
Sparrows are much more volcal than they have been earlier in the fall and 
Juncos are regular at the feeder once again. I have at least four Red-breasted 
Nuthatches coming and going as well. Oddly, however, my nyger has been 
completely unattractive to any finch that passes by... I have yet to see a 
goldfinch, purple, or siskin anywhere near my yard (the later would be a yard-
bird). I did have one House Finch here yesterday on the seed feeder.

Also of note, is the slow but steady return of waterfowl to the cove in front of 
the house (trib. of the North East, River) Here I have had increasing rafts of 
Canada Geese, Wood Ducks coming ang going all day, and his morning I found 
two hen Hooded Mergansers diving about. Additionally, there is a pair of 
Kinfishers rattling around the cove all day. 

One more sign of the changing season is Screech Owl (which is usually 
absent) calling from the woods.

Good birding,
Chris Starling
North East, Cecil County, MD