[CT Birds] feedback on goldfinch query; Hammo today 2/17, Dodge Pond 2/15

[Sailcarm at aol.com]

2/17 -- Here is some feedback on the question re: goldfinch:

Here in our area of southeastern CT, the southwestern Waterford area adjacent 
to Niantic River and Niantic Bay, I have goldfinch every day, usually between 
6 and 20 showing up together at both the thistle feeder and the mixed seed 
feeder.  

I had pine siskins and purple finches off and on for about three weeks much 
earlier in the winter  but have not seen them since.  I have had 2 red-breasted 
nuthatches since early fall.  I am feeling very proprietary about them and 
can't bear the thought of their leaving.   There have not been any redpolls here 
to my knowledge.

Red-winged blackbirds are now starting to show up in our yard, as I mentioned 
in a report earlier in the week.  I have also had two sightings of 
yellow-bellied sapsucker in our yard this winter, which is a first, perhaps, or is 
simply a result of my becoming slowly but surely a more observant birder (or being 
retired and having more time to stare out the window :)

*************************************

Hammo today from 3PM to 4PM in the campground (Tunxis area): I could not find 
the orange-crowned warbler, but did see the following:

       1 golden-crowned kinglet, 2 fox sparrows, 2 pine warblers, 1 northern 
harrier, 2 northern flickers, a flock of cedar waxwings, 6 yellow-rumped 
warblers, 2 carolina wren 

I quickly scoped the Nature Center parking area before leaving and found 2 
LAPLAND LONGSPURS among a flock of horned larks.

******************************************
also, a bit late, alas:  Friday, 2/15 at Dodge Pond in Niantic, there were 2 
pied-billed grebes along with ring-necked ducks, hooded mergansers, 
buffleheads,  American coot, and red-winged blackbirds calling.  

Carolyn Cimino
Waterford


**************
Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL 
Living.
      
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)