Actually, I just remembered that the suet/peanut nuggets I purchased previously were generously laced with hot pepper, and the last two bags I bought are not.

At last the hummers are coming regularly to the hummingbird feeder, instead of just the very occasional visit. The cardinals, titmice, chickadees, etc., have fledged their last brood of the season. I think I notice that without the pressure of a new nest full of chicks about to come along the parents are somewhat more tolerant of the last fledglings staying around in the territory, and don't go after them so agressively.

Although I was buried in goldfinches through the winter and early spring, they have been only occasional visitors to the feeders since mid-June. I'm assuming that is because of the food supply available in the fields, meadows, and perennial gardens in the area.

I have at least one pair of downy woodpeckers who live here year round. I'd like to attract more woodpeckers to get after the red oak borers. I occasionally see a maile red-bellied woodpecker, though he most in evidence when the mulberry was fruiting.