Morning everyone,
 I took a walk around the yard this morning with Peanut (who turned 11 yesterday!), and had some interesting sightings. Large numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds are present, feeding in the fallow fields behind us, along with lots of robins. Bluebirds have returned to the yard, perching and singing from low branches on trees near the bluebird boxes. It reminded me to go out to the shed and fetch the one box I did not leave up, give it a good cleaning and put it back up. They are so nice to hear after such a long winter without them.

While walking across the backyard, I saw a woodpecker fly over and land in my neighbors trees. Before it even landed I had an inkling it was something "different", based on it size. It seemed bigger than a Downy but not as large as the Red-bellies I normally get. Turned out to be a HAIRY WOODPECKER, only my second sighting for the yard!  (Yesterday afternoon I had my 3rd sighting of Fish Crow for the yard). Birds on the move...

Along with these nice finds, there were numbers of Ring-billed Gulls flying over, heading north. I don't often see them either, though not as rare as the above 2 species. Carolina Wren was singing, still lots of juncos as well, and they are singing too. Chickadee and cardinals are both singing strongly now too, nice to hear. The chickadees are looking into cavities...

The E. Screech owl is still present, sitting at the entrance to its roost cavity, though it was strangely absent yesterday late afternoon when I checked. It may have just been down deeper in its hole, as it sometimes does disappear from sight. Anyone who'd like a look, let me know. It can be seen, but not well, from my back fence, with a strong scope. Photos are not really possible from my yard though, as the distance is a bit far, and the angle is severe. While there was still lots of snow on the ground I walked out into the field for a few good photos.

Enjoy the weather, while it lasts!

Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD