[obol] NW Portland local birds

[Andy Frank]

It has seemed like WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were more numerous than usual on Sauvie Island this winter, and now I am convinced of their local abundance as two, one white striped and one tan, were in my yard in NW Portland this morning.  Nothing like a new yard bird to start the day!

And of even less importance but about equal enjoyment for me, I saw a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD on my run in the neighborhood this morning, the first I've ever seen around here.  I live not too far from Wink Gross and I recall he finally saw one on his dogwalk last year so they are clearly uncommon here.  I first heard the typical sound of Red-winged Blackbird and smiled to myself how well Starlings can imitate them, but then found with delight that the singer was the real thing.

And if possible of even less significance, I had put up a thistle feeder about two years ago and in the first year I had one female American Goldfinch visit for a few days and that was it.  Last year there were a few visits from Lesser Goldfinch but generally the feeder remained unvisited.  Finally, showing that patience can pay off, I am getting frequent, and much appreciated, visits from LESSER GOLDFINCH.  

Andy Frank
Portland
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