Yesterday morning my wife and I were delighted to see the first indigo
bunting (male) of the season, feeding in our own back yard, no less! (I
wish I had as good luck when I venture out to look for birds!) We also saw
a few pine siskins* (first time this year) who fought with the goldfinches
at our thistle feeder, plus about 20 cedar waxwings. The pine siskins and
cedar waxwings are back today, accompanied by a white-crowned sparrow. The
purple finches still linger as well, but only one of the males is left.
*A short while ago today I heard a dreadful "thump" on the window and saw a
pine siskin lying on the ground in agony. A crow was swooping in for a
look, and by the time I ran outside to see if I could help the pine siskin,
it was gone. Questions: Do crows prey on injured birds as well as dead
ones? Also, what are the preferred methods of avian euthanasia when such
tragedy strikes?
Andrew Clem
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Andrew & Jacqueline Clem
Staunton, VA
http://homepage.mac.com/andrew_g_clem/
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