[NatureNS] Spring Count and lifers at Black Rock

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Date: Tue, 22 May 2007 11:21:31 -0300
From: "Anna Gardner" <annagardner.ns@gmail.com>
To: "Nature Nova Scotia" <naturens@chebucto.ns.ca>
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A delayed report of the activity at our Feeder on Russia Road on May 12th:

Mourning Dove        4
Hairy Woodpecker  1m
Blue Jay                 2
Blk Cap Chickadee 2
Red Brstd Nthtch    1
Am Robin               2
Chipping Sparrow    3
Wht Thrt Sparrow    1
Dark eyed Junco     6
Red wind Blackbird (heard)
Prpl Finch               10m  8 or 9f
Am Goldfinch          5m  6 or 7f
R T Hummingbird    1m
Am Crow                2
Raven                    1

It was the first day for the Hummingbird and the White-throated
Sparrow, both of which were First Time Evers for me!  What lovely
Mother's Day presents.  Since that time, our resident population of
P.Finches is about 18 to 24 and the same for the Am. Goldfinches; the
males look like ever so many daffodils bursting in the soon to blossom
fruit trees.  Also, an increase to TWO  blue jay COUPLES and many more
Chipping Sparrows.

And this morning, another First, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  We
couldn't believe how startlingly vivid his colouring was.  Such a
study in contrasts!

And now I have some questions:
1)  Is there a particular time when you "should" take your feeders
down? Is it detrimental to the birds if you don't?

2)  Why is it that in many species of birds the males and females have
such different plumage and in others they are nearly identical?

3)  I am about to purchase my first pair of binoculars. If anyone has
advice to offer I would be pleased to hear from you "off-line" or
"off-list" by email. Have been doing some reading so am aware of basic
principles etc. I wear glasses, have recurring tendonitis in rt. arm
and carpal tunnel in both wrists so need the best possible LIGHTWEIGHT
binocs I can afford.  Also, if anyone has a regular type, nothin'
fancy pair that they would be willing to sell, please let me know.
Trying to outfit my husband at a reasonable cost so that we can share
the joys of birding.

Many thanks

Anna Gardner

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