We've been having daily visits by common redpolls for the last month.  Anywhere 
from 4 to 11 birds at a time.  They LOVE the thistle sock which I have to refill 
every 2-3 days.  Lately, more American goldfinches have been visiting as well.  
No pine siskins now, although we did have a small flock for a few weeks before 
and after Christmas.  Throughout the winter we've been feeding purple finches, 
up to 12 birds at a time - both sexes.  Tree sparrow and junco numbers are on 
the rise in the last week.  And on Sunday, five wild (?) turkeys flew into the 
yard and landed high up in a large cottonwood tree.  They stayed about 1/2 hour 
and then moved on.  One tried to land in a smaller birch tree on a branch that 
didn't support its weight, and it tumbled to the ground.  After righting itself 
and shaking off the snow, it seemed to look around to see if anyone or anything 
noticed the accident, then slowly strutted out of the yard.  A second pair of 
cardinals showed up one day and our local pair spent hours chasing them around 
the yard before they finally drove them out.  Lots of energy spent there!  
Always something going on here at the lake, while we wait for spring.

Betsy Beneke
Avon, Stearns Co.


      

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