Lamar, Colorado

There is a real dearth of birds at the feeder, or at least they are only visiting once or twice a day, usually between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The American Goldfinches (AMGO) are increasing in numbers and the White-crowned Sparrows (WCSP) are decreasing in numbers at my feeders. I did notice the median crown stripe on some immature WCSPs is starting to molt to white making for an interesting looking head. (Since they arrive late in the day, the above photo is the best I could do to show the molt with the poor light.) This week I had a Merlin (MERL) in my backyard, which is a yard bird for me. The immature Harris Sparrow (HASP) is still here and shows in the evening with the House Finches (HOFI), WCSP and AMGO. Hear or see American Robins (AMRO), American Crow (AMCR), Blue Jay (BLJA), Northern Flicker (NOFL), an occasional American Kestrel (AMKE) and Eurasian-collared Dove (EUCO). The mature and immature Sharp-shinned Hawks (SSHA), are regular visitors keeping all the birds on their toes or on the wing I guess I should say. Best from Southeast Colorado--a wonderful place to be.

Janeal W. Thompson