Birders, Yesterday, six Purple Finches showed up in the yard feeding on Tulip Poplar seeds. Alas, none came to the feeders, so they may rove around the area. Also, eleven Wild Turkeys, three Fox Sparrows and one Hermit Thrush were seen around the yard. The birds spend most of the time hiding from Sharp-shinned Hawks and the birding goes from long lulls to short flurries of activity. Lake Orange is almost frozen over, we saw Black-backed Gull (1), Herring Gulls (6), Ring-billed Gulls (350), Hooded Merganser (6), Kingfisher (1). Please let me know if the Trumpeter Swan shows up again. Somehow I got it mixed up with Whooper Swan and didn't bother chasing it for a life bird. Happy birding, George Harris Orange County You are subscribed to VA-BIRD. To post to this mailing list, simply send email to va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe, send email to va-bird-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field.