We have had numerous Chipping Sparrows for at least a week - they replaced many of the Juncos during one of the rare spells with warm winds from some other direction than northeast. Still a few juncos about, increasing numbers of White-crowned Sparrows, fewer White-throated Sp., but a few of those will stay to nest nearby. Today brought a Harris's Sp., presumably a different individual than the one who spent the winter with us. Clay-colored, Song and Lincoln's Sparrows also present in small numbers. Tree Swallows have been investigating bird houses, no nest building activity yet. Ruby-crowned Kinglets in small flocks, ditto for Brown Creepers. We have had the most brilliantly colored Purple Finches here this spring, and staying here for weeks now. No warblers except Yellow-rumped and Palm, but a very determined Yellow-rump challenged a Hairy Woodpecker for a spot at a suet feeder, and eventually got it, with a half dozen of his buddies then joining him. Only one Y-Rump appeared to be possible female. Amazing little birds. Saw my first of season Rose-breasted Grosbeak today, then heard that a friend who lives a few miles inland had had one at her place since Saturday.
No shortage of Robins, Redwinged Blackbirds, Com. Grackles or Cowbirds. Had one pair of Rusty Blackbirds last Thursday. Kestrels common sitting on wires, and one lived up to it's old Sparrowhawk name by catching and eating a small (probably Chipping) sparrow in our front yard. The wind scattered the plucked feathers, and some scavenger must have grabbed any other remains. While the Kestrel ate, the small birds continued to crowd our feeders, and scattered only when he (well-marked male) took off again. They were soon back. There are still some rafts of ducks on Lake Superior, especially Scaup. Larger lakes gradually losing their ice, and wind and rain today may have helped finish the job. Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported from Colville, 30+ miles northeast of here. I have yet to see one, but I've been working indoors for a few days. Carol Tveekrem, Schroeder