[EBB Sightings] Welcome visitors

 
Dear Birding Friends:

I discovered a House Wren in my kitchen this noon.  He wasn't too
alarmed by my presence but I know it was in his best interest to be
hastened back outside.  This may be the same bird which in late October
examined my bird box by going in and out several times.  The box has
been ignored for three years during nesting season.  If he's still
around in the spring, I hope he will keep me in mind as an excellent
landlord.

Though the Bewick's Wren is a reliable year-round resident, I don't
recall that the House Wren has stayed around though the winter.

Two Townsend's Warblers are now regular visitors to my sunflower chip
feeder -- the female less shy than the male.  They appear to be hungry
and remain at the feeder feeding heavily.  I believe that warblers
usually prefer insects. Has the cold weather reduced the insect
population explaining their unusual presence at the seed feeder?  Do
other people see Townsend's Warblers at their feeders?  I have never
observed the other winter warbler -- the Yellow-rumped -- at the
feeder.

Thanks to other observers who have described the differences between
the Lesser and the American Goldfinches.  I have large groups of
Lessers in a variety of plumages including a few males with bright
yellow breasts.  
Looking carefully I now believe that a brownish bird with buffy
wingbars and a slightly stouter body is probably an American.  

-Phila Rogers


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