[EBB Sightings] AT LAST!!

Dear Birders:

Happy Day!  A flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows arrived during the full moon last night and have been singing back and forth ever since.  This is by almost two weeks their latest arrival on my hill according to my records which go back thirty years.  A single bird arrived earlier but never sang more than a single note and was easily frightened off by my appearance.  This rowdy gang sings full three-note songs and has claimed ownership of my deck and the feed dishes.  Good to have you back, lads.

Such a late arrival tempts me into the risky regions of larger meanings.  Could this mean a late and dry winter or just the opposite -- or nothing at all?

Another welcome seasonal arrival -- a Varied Thrush issuing its long, sustained call note at daylight -- a weird, wonderful sound that speaks of cool, mossy woods. 
 
We birdwatchers are a lucky bunch with so much to sustain us in these deeply troubling times.

Phila Rogers