[CT Birds] Birds of the day

[Mntncougar at aol.com]

Started the day by visiting Mark Szantyr in Ashford and seeing  his Oregon 
Junco.  thanks Mark!
In my yard this AM I had 56 Mourning Doves - a new high for the  yard.  I 
have been seeing the Redpolls in force on and off yesterday and  today too.  At 1 
point I counted 73 today, next count was 82!   Previous high was 53.  However 
 I did NOT see any Hoary candidates  today.  
Highlight of the day came as I was putting out more seed.   Saw a large bird 
fly across the yard and looked up to see a Pileated Woodpecker  pounding away. 
 That was a real first for my yard and only the 2nd 1 I've  seen.  Got even 
better a few minutes later when a SECOND Pilated flew over  calling loudly and 
joined the first!   I was enjoying watching them  until the whole flock of 
MODOs flushed and took the Pileateds with  them.   1 Dove got left behind though 
because a Sharpie was standing  on it, happily plucking feathers.  It flew 
when I got closer although it  could barely carry the Dove.   I saw and heard 1 
of the Pileateds  across the street and when I followed it I found it in a tree 
and the Sharpie at  the base of the tree enjoying his meal, so I could see 
both birds at the same  time.  Eventually I found both of the Woodpeckers again, 
and I hope they  will stay around.
Sometimes you don't have to go far to see  something!
Don Morgan
Coventry
 



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