Although I have not heard or seen large numbers of geese departing yet, yesterday there was a huge flock of black birds along the highway. They may be red-wing blackbirds from further north or perhaps starlings. We did not get close enough to identify them.
There are quite a few nuthatches (photo) about and at the feeder. Yesterday we also saw about half a dozen northern flickers around the yard. Chickadees are also daily visitors as are purple finches, pine siskins, and savannah sparrows. There are still a few goldfinches around but mostly females. Maybe they are hardier! Large flocks of house sparrows are regular raiders of the feeder. They should be out in the fields eating grain!
