I've spent quite a bit of time the past three days watching a WT Sparrow in a feeder 5 feet outside my dining room. It appears sluggish -sits in the feeder for up to 1 1/2 hours at a time, although it does spend some time eating the black oil sunflowers there. I put some bacon fat out yesterday thinking that might be a good energy boost. While I was on the deck I noticed a bird in the birch tree far in the back of my yard, near the lake. Could it be? Indeed, a new yard bird for me - a Shrike! Of course, by the time I got the spotting scope set up it had moved on. Couldn't tell which it was with my binocs as it mainly had its back to me, but what a nice way to wrap up my "yard year" list! Happy New year, all! Sue on Melody Lake, Edina
