Showers

It rained enough to make the ground wet, the seeders stop, and the birds drop by. First of Year: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

There were also two females. Though we've had visits from Rose-breasted Grosbeaks before, I don't recall ever seen the females so this was exciting. 

 

Two American Goldfinches dropped by the 15th. Right in the middle of the usual times. (In the last 6 years they've come between the 9th and 20th, while 3 times it was the 14th or 15th. Usually we get more at once as well as Pine Siskins who generally come at the same time or a day or two earlier.

As I weeded among my perennial beds several thrushes investigated the possibilities in the mulch in the garden, though they dart around so fast I got lots of photos of the mulch but the only clear thrush was this Swainson's sitting on a rail.

Other visitors yesterday included a Lincoln's Sparrow among the thrushes 

 and this Harris's Sparrow on the patio.