A suspected Nelson's Sparrow was on my property in the early evening on
Friday. It was about 15 feet above me in a tree, but it left before I could
grab my binoculars so I don't feel completely comfortable saying it was
certainly a Nelson's. Neither the flock or the sparrow returned
yesterday.  It was hanging out with a mixed flock of songbirds that has
been visiting for the past week. The flock includes an Eastern Bluebird, A
Yellow-rumped Warbler, a Tennessee Warbler and two Black-capped
Chickadees. A few other small birds had joined them, but I couldn't get a
good look at those either. If they reappear, I'll post it. No sign of them
so far today.

I've also had a Red-winged Blackbird singing here since October 1. Last
evening another was counter-singing. An Eastern Meadowlark has been present
and calling along my fence line for more than a week as well.

While working on the property the past few weeks, I've seen several Bald
Eagles heading south. One was flying in a kettle of 15 Turkey Vultures. A
few days later, another flew (safely) above two small aircraft that were
heading north. A friend reported an Osprey flying over the Mahoning River
in the Newton Falls - Lake Milton area last week.

On a non-birding note, I have iris blooming for the second time this year.
In twelve years of growing iris, this is a first for me. It seems as though
this weather has everything confused....

Judy Hochadel
*Deacon Creek Farm
Champion Twp., Trumbull County*

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