I apologize for being botanically challenged. I spent much of my
university years concentrating on geology and invertebrate
zoology/paleontology. So when exorted to look for low lying
poorly-drained fields with stands of smartweeds (in order to locate
LeConte's sparrow) I am basically clueless, although I am willing to
learn. Is there a website or recommended reference where one can find out
about these useful "weeds?" I was in California working during the
sparrow symposium.

I doubt if such exist in my own fields, although they are very weedy - no
herbicides on my side of the road. We live on an upland, Flint Ridge, but
the soil is poorly drained since it is based on shales and clays.

In other farm news - the mystery of the small accipiter I saw at great
distance on Friday has (I think) been resolved. Saturday morning there
was a male Cooper's hawk cruising around our house and barns, probably
the same individual. so, no sharpie, but an always interesting species.

Common yellowthroats, probably not our resident population, are present
on the back forty, in the weeds, responding to pishing, always
delightful.

I saw or heard all five common woodpeckers on the farm yesterday: downy,
hairy, red-bellied, flicker, pileated. Hairy is always the tough one, but
Jane and I saw a male as we sat on the bench at "Valhalla Falls"
yesterday afternoon.

Bluebirds seem more common than during nesting season. Sunday I saw a
hatch year male (?) checking out the natural cavity (downy woodpecker
excavation) that hosted a failed nesting attempt two years ago.
Apparently it was seeking shelter from the wind. The nest boxes may have
been full already.

Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County

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