[TN-Bird] RC kinglet + starling/house finch observation

Good Morning,
 
Finally after having had computer problems since last Friday afternoon, I  am 
back on line here in Charlotte Park, West Nashville, Davidson County about  
four blocks east of the Cleece's Boat ramp on the Cumberland River.
 
My "scout" junco that arrived on Saturday and which Tarcila Fox  reported for 
me is still feeding alone awaiting its "family" to join  it.  The two white 
throated sparrows are still feeding side by side giving  the appearance that 
they are a "devoted" pair.
 
On Monday, I had a sweet little ruby crowned kinglet rummaging around in  the 
almost leafless poke berry and grape vines searching the left over leaves  
and the stem areas for delectable (to it) morsels to savor before it flew up  
into a hackberry tree then soon out of sight.
 
While this has been a banner year for chickadees and titmice here with 20  or 
more of each coming in at a time, I have noticed a decrease in numbers  of 
(almost afraid to say this for fear of a jinx on me that'll bring 'em back)  
starlings and house finches.  Literally swarms of both species have always  
been 
with me since 1991, but, lately, less than 10 starlings come at a time  with 
their presence being rather unusual, and I only see from 2 to 10  house finches 
each time after a breeding season that had me overrun with  their young 
numbering 60 to 100 at a time.  I still have no shortage of  house sparrows or 
rock 
pigeons, and mourning doves are plentiful, therefore I am  curious as to why 
such a reduction in starling and house finch numbers.   Now that I've said 
that, just watch the "jinx" work and see them make an  unwelcome return by the 
"thousands."  
 
By the way, my chickadees and titmice are REALLY going after the peanut  
butter more than ever before.  I place some on a grape vine that runs past  my 
French doors within eight feet of where I sit at the computer and watch them  
all 
day as they give my peanut-butter-eating bossy mockingbirds a "run for their  
money" in the PB eating "contest."
 
Cheers & prayers,
 
Dee Thompson
Nashville, TN
 
 

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