Still here!

Since returning from our vacation, I had not seen any hummingbirds in the yard. I had decided that they had all probably moved along with the cooler weather we've been having lately. Yesterday, though, I was sitting in the backyard and out of the corner of my eye I caught a movement in a crape myrtle tree. I looked up to see this.

It was the little Rufous female that has been in residence here since late summer, sitting on one of her favorite perches. It seems like she really may be intending to spend the winter. I think she's the only one left now. At least, I haven't seen any others or heard any other activity around the yard.

Things continue to be pretty quiet here with little happening around the feeders. That's significant because this weekend is the start of Project FeederWatch. (Have you signed up yet? It's not too late!) My first two-day report period will be Saturday and Sunday. I just hope I'll have something to report.

One species that I hope to have to report is the Red-breasted Nuthatch. When I first walked outside a couple of mornings ago, I could swear that I heard one of the birds in the backyard, although I never actually caught sight of it. When we were in Big Bend, I did see one of the tiny birds and even managed to get a (not very good) picture.

This bird was observed and photographed at the Sam Nail Ranch site in the park. Wonderful little bird!

Also, I haven't yet actually seen any American Goldfinches here, only maybe heard one a few weeks ago, but last night I dreamed of the birds and I clearly saw them flying over my yard. Do dream birds count?