January, 2007

January was a great month on several levels.  Varied Thrushes became more and more numerous in the mornings (I would typically see 4-7 under the suet feeder at a time).  Bushtits began to show up in flocks of 10-20 at our suet feeders (especially the one outside the front door).  While the RC Kinglets became much more infrequent, I saw my first Golden-Crowned Kinglet.  While taking the trash out very early one cloudy and rainy morning, I saw what was most likely a Merlin in the cluster of pine trees near our driveway.  Later in the month, I began to feed unsalted, roasted peanuts in the fly-through feeder.  These were not only a big hit with RB Nuthatches, but the CB Chickadees are apparently big fans as well and I typically see them every day now.  We also began to see Brown Creepers on occasion in the pine trees, usually in the afternoons.
















Bushtits feeding on suet




















Male Varied Thrush eating sunflower chips

Also in January, the wife landed an exciting and well-paying new job, ensuring our time in Oregon for at least a couple more years.  Also, the Indianapolis Colts beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.  Peyton Manning lead his team back from a 21-3 deficit in the one of the greatest playoff comebacks ever.  Meanwhile, Tom Terrific threw the game-ending interception in Indianapolis territory.

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