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Murrelet at Fishing Creek, PUFIs



        
I was not able to re-locate the Murrelet previously reported for the Fishing
Creek Dam on the Catawba river.  My viewing time was limited, however, by my
nausea.  I remembered vividly today why I have never gone pelagic birding -
looking out over water with a scope nauseates me.  I was able to master my
stomach for 45 minutes, however, between 1:00 pm and 1:45 pm.  Of note were
high numbers of Bonaparte's Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants and a single
Larus gull (juvenile, most likely Ring-billed) looking like a giant among
the smaller, delicate Bonnies, and five Buffleheads (three males, two females).

Also of note today was the arrival of Purple Finches at my feeders.  High
numbers today were seven Purple Finches, three adult males - resplendent in
their raspberry regalia - and four females.  Every year I worry that I will
not be able to pick out the Purple Finch males when they arrive and every
year it amazes me just how "purple" they really are!  Pine Siskins are still
present in small numbers and are sampling a variety of feeders and seed this
year.  I have seen them on the House Finch tube feeder, filled with black
oil sunflower seeds exclusively, and the Goldfinch feeder, filled with
thistle seeds exclusively.  This year the siskins are also spending a lot of
time on the platform feeder, eating sunflower seeds and the thistle seeds I
put out a few days ago just for them.

Merry Christmas to all!


Donna Bailey
Winnsboro, SC
e-mail: dsbailey@conterra.com
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey
     "Where are the Birds?  Migration across South Carolina"
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey/audubon	
    "Columbia Audubon Society"