White-throated sparrows and fox sparrows have moved on, with exception of singles here and there at bird feeders. We are looking for the American Tree Sparrow's arrival from Alaska and Canada. Often mistaken for the chipping sparrow which departed for farther south in October. The "trees" have been spotted in the area, but this common
winter visitant has not arrived at our feeders thus far. Smaller than the English or house sparrow, this rusty crowned bird can be identified by a single dark spot on the center of the breast. Mingles with the dark-eyed juncos, WHICH by the way, are currently present in the country-side in droves!!! (Have they arrived in Henderson or LeSueur???) We experienced 70 of the ofttimes called "snow birds" feeding on the ground where millet had spilled 'neath the feeders this week.

Juncos by the dozens! They took over the back yard along with gold finches and chickadees... and a few nuthatches too. If I didn't know better, I'd say winter had arrived... at least it seems the birds think so. All we lack is the snow.

Very light bird feeding today, (11/11), a few juncos, perhaps a dozen, but then the temperature reached 60 on the Minnesota River bank at 3:30. A few Asian beetles harassing visitors, but no-see-ums were no-shows, thank goodness. Two naive rough-legged hawks about, tempting victims for road-hunters. Deer innards should make for more appearances by the bald eagles this week. A number of double eagle adult sightings the past week, with a report of a pair of youngsters engaged in "grappling" above Henderson...a thrilling sight. The shrike remains in the area. (Much more to come on shrikes.)

I have had a few Juncos at my feeder on the Ottawa Road (and I certainly have seen them flocking in the fields nearby) but the Blue Jays have been guarding the feeder pretty closely and chasing away all the other vistitors (except for the swift little chickadees who swoop in just long enough to grab a beakful of millet before being bullied out of the feeder).

Shrike strikes again! While tooling the Pumpkin Hill Road 11/16, just above Tom and LaDonna Bender's south horse pasture, a "to-do" was "to-doing" on the electrical wires above the pasture. A small gathering of blue birds was fussing over a larger bluish bird, the combatants were buzzing and teasing one another. Turns out that the larger of the blue birds was our friend the shrike, and it did not seem to be "in charge," but rather appeared to be harassed. The fracas lasted about a minute, then the bluebirds noticed us and departed, while the shrike smoothed his feathers briefly, then it too was on its way. We're not ready to go on record as to whether the bird is a Northern Shrike or a Loggerhead. On a readily calm day it may be seen at the Ney Nature Center, or from the top of the Pumpkin Hill Road south past the Rybus and Burns' farms. It seems to prefer the short prairie trees on the Burns' farm and the tall lone oak on the Rybus property. It is more gray than blue, with a black mask and hooked beak. The beak is the real clue. The shrike is another winter visitor from the north country. More to come on its eating habits. Any other spottings out there?

Busy day at the feeders! Bad or cold weather approaching perhaps??? Lots of juncos, chickadees, creepers, finches--several purple and one gold, the bullying blue jays (of course)and one large and lovely female red-bellied woodpecker--so imposing she was able to out-bully the jays!