Though we've seen no holsteins (great one Rick!), our feeder stations were 
hectic here as well.  On "normal" busy days, I may fill some of the tube 
feeders twice, but today I filled both hopper feeders twice (a first), and the 
birds cleaned out all the tube feeders three times!  They also went through an 
entire suet cake and a lot of thistle and other stuff.  Wow.

About a week ago, our goldfinch numbers increased about 2.5x; they are at 
30-35 now regularly (but hard to ever get an accurate number, they move too 
fast!).  I notice they are starting to get their dark wings and bright white 
wingbars that seems to precede the "bright yellow" change to their breeding 
plumage.  I've been hoping to see something different here now, since we 
have enough finch activity to attract the attention of a passing northern finch 
or whatever.  In spite of visits from accipiters and big flocks of marauding 
hoodlums (200-300 "feeder bullies") today, the feeders have been 
exceptionally busy with winter songbirds.  I looked throughout the day but 
saw no siskins, redpolls, or other celebrity birds!  However, I was quite excited 
to see our first American Tree Sparrow of the season.  It was just one 
individual, but it was quite aggressive for a Tree Sparrow, hanging tough with 
the others at the height of the free for all frenzy.  It was here all afternoon, 
and was the first addition to my 2008 yard list since Jan 19!

We also had a Purple Finch and YB Sapsucker return (both were here daily 
through January til the first week of February, then disappeared until today).  
The snow started falling at about 3:30, and as of now we got about two 
inches.

Cheers!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD