First Time Visitor

We have had an interesting year here birding wise. First of note is the lack of Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches over the winter. These little birds are usually in abundance at the feeders all winter long. I only saw 1 Nuthatch all winter.

The spring migration brought the usual suspects passing through. White-throated sparrow and Harris's Sparrow are two we look forward to seeing. We always hear the White Throat before we see it. Our ears are tuned to its song of "Dear Sweet Canada Canada Canada".

Our resident Merlin has been active, leaving his trail of feathers and beaks for the little ones to find, much to the chagrin of their mothers. Myself excluded.

This week, however, we had the joy of seeing a Blue Jay. Athena was pretty excited to see one. It was her first time. When we lived in Peace River, Alberta, they were as prolific as sparrows. Still, I never tired of seeing them. Beautiful birds.

Athena named him James and he comes by right before lunch each day. We are hoping he stays for the winter so we plan to go get some peanuts on the weekend. Until then, we'll keep the feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds and cross our fingers that he stays until then.