Holding off filling my platform feeder for a week appears to have worked! I started refilling yesterday & the bird visitors appear unmolested by Sharp-shinned Hawks. Of course, now I’m going through more sunflower seeds again. 

 

Today, had a large group of American Goldfinches arrive & between grit from the gravel drive & the feeder seeds, seem to have been well-satisfied. Others: House Finches, BC Chickadees, RB Nuthatches, Spotted Towhees, DE Juncos & Song Sparrows. Trumpeter Swan flyovers are common now. Best birds today have been a couple of Lesser Goldfinches mixed in with the American flock. Very striking & easy to distinguish. 

 

Brian Carrigan 

Blackfoot