November Ramblings!

It is hard to believe that we are now in December and fast approaching 2009!  I was able to get out and bird several times throughout November but hadn't had much time to actually sit down and reflect on my experiences or my progress.

I was fortunate to add several birds to my life list since my last post - Blue-headed Vireo, Lesser Scaup, Dunlin, Winter Wren, and Ruddy Duck.  These five birds have brought my World List to 235, and my State List to 149!

I was able to go out on Thanksgiving for a few hours to bird Southwestway Park.  There was alot of birds but only a few species.  Tons of Song Sparrows one of which I was able to get a fairly good picture.  I was also happy to see a small flock of Sandhill Cranes fly overhead.  By the time I got my camera out they were past me but I was still able to get a picture between the branches.

The winter list of guests at my feeders is finally starting to grow.  It is always nice to see the Dark-eyed Juncos arrive for the winter.  Northern Cardinals are making morning and evening visits.  American Goldfinches are devouring the thistle.  Mourning Doves are cleaning up the seed on the ground.  Blue Jays are inconsistent but do dine on occasion mostly on the whole peanuts I have been offering.   And of course, the House Sparrows - what can I say - they are persistant creatures!  I have finally found a way to keep them away from the platform feeders.  I now feed ONLY striped Sunflower Seed near the house.  For the most part, the seed is to large for them.  They do eat some but nothing like the the oil type seed.  

Anyway, that wraps up November.  I am hoping for a GRRREEAAT December - my goal for December is to add 21 species!