Yardbirds

Two pine siskin have been feeding regularly at the feeder full of
black oil sunflower and millet. They will sit togather one on each
side, balancing the feeder and have lunch.

One of five local squirrels attacked that feeder yesterday and snipped
the string holding it in the tree. The string was replaced promptly
with a metal coat hanger. *Gotcha*

Three red-winged black birds sang at the canal in and above the thorny
brush. There are about 15 Juncos that feed regularly here, along with
a pair of red-breasted nuthatches, and the occassional downy
woodpecker.

Watched *something* (Merlin?) dive from a moderate altitude above the
treetop several times. Pointed wing tips. Medium sized bird, about
the size of a large Raven or Crow. This bird dives straight down
really fast. Just before the dive he will flutter in place in
mid-air. Watched him/her dive three or four times. Really neat to
watch.

Oftentimes the crows here will alert us here of soaring Eagles.

There were over 190 ducks and at least 10 Canadian Geese on American
Lake - Lakewood, Pierce County, Saturday. Didn't see any Eagles
Saturday.