I, the only true birder at my house in Spring Lake Park and temporary dare-I-say residence for the North Minneapolis Western Tanager (I believe to still be wondering where the heck he is), will not be home this weekend. My room mate will and she invites you with open arms to come. She will be meditating and doing her thing until at least 10:00 a.m. and maybe later and she requests that she not be distracted during this time. You might knock on the door but no one may answer.
She does give permission for any photographers or special needs folks to enter the yard - even if you just want to check out the western boundary for the bird. Please know that the bird is very skittish and flees readily at the most innocuous distraction. Most folks who have come and hung out by the street on the east side (on Monroe) have gotten good looks at the bird with a little patience. I would recommend standing back from the fence. Anyone entering the yard should be extremely quiet and slow moving as to not spook the feathered beastie. Yard entry should be by the front gate only (on 80th) and movement should be on the 80th side of the house to honor others who are looking at the back yard (stationary photographers are a special case). My experience so far is that the best viewing times are from 6:00 a.m. to around noon - with many variations in between. Best location is the back yard near the orange-covered sumac next to the ponds where the varmit eats (highest orange is his favorite location). I did see it at around 1:00 p.m. along the western edge of the yard - but only once. The neighbors are kinda getting into it that something special is going on and word is spreading. I don't think there is an issue brewing there - especially given the loud Harley bikes that blast off from the yellow house to the east of my yard - simply ear- splitting!! What that means is that it is a very forgiving neighborhood - just be as considerate as every one has been. You are all simply delightful. I do have one request. Anyone taking great pictures of the bird or any birds in the yard - I would love a copy (just for my personal collection). My camera doesn't do this or any bird justice. Anyone wanting copies of the pictures I have taken, just email me and ask. Thanks in advance and enjoy this incredible sight! Thomas Maiello (Ann, my room mate, is the owner of the house and keeper of the plants)
