Stopped by my local bird store at lunch to buy seed. The owner tells me he has had a nest of bluebirds already hatch out and saw his first hummer in his yard this week.

I've seen some species this winter in my yard that I haven't before, but I think it because I'm not commuting as far nor putting in 60 hour weeks, so am home more to see more.

Experimenting with different suet feeders to try to figure out how to keep the starlings and grackles out while allowing the bluebirds in. Have one feeder the big boys can't get into, but the bluebirds, which could, won't go through the grid - other smaller birds have no "issues" with doing so.

The juncos appear to have headed north sometime this week. Tell 'em hello for me when you see them. Have a few white-throated sparrows year round, but most of them have headed out also.

Gonna have to have some trees taken down that pose a threat to the house - didn't realize they were not in great shape until the recent ice storm called attention to holes and hollows high up. I am pretty sure they account for my high population of red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers. Hoping they don't all abandon me. Placing my faith in the suet feeders and the little woodlot across the street.

Robins and cardinals courting but haven't spotted any nests yet.

Spring has really sprung here. Azaleas starting to bloom.