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<p><font size="+1">Good morning--</font></p>
<p><font size="+1">This past week I have seen one male goldfinch
that was nearly back to full breeding color on my feeder. It
was a welcome sight since the goldfinches that were so plentiful
into early winter had gone oddly absent despite my keeping my
feeders filled the same. Yesterday killdeer were calling from
somewhere near by early in the morning. The day before, 4
sandhill cranes flew over, which is a bit odd for our area--we
normally don't seem to be in the flight path when they migrate.
The male cardinal has been observed feeding his mate, and one
morning she was checking out the carport for possible nest
sites. Juncos are gathering for migration, at times grouping in
lilacs at the back of the yard.<br>
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<p><font size="+1">Our outdoor exercise walks have given us a nice
look at a pair of wood ducks and a great blue heron at Hiniker
Pond, plus a few Canada geese and some mallards at Spring Lake.
A type of sparrow was moving in and out of last years cat tails,
I didn't get close enough for a full ID.<br>
</font></p>
<p><font size="+1">This morning a ruby crowned kinglet was doing its
darnedest to flit to every branch on the magnolia over my little
pond so I got a nice look from the window. Fun stuff, to be
sure, despite the cold and dreary day. Stay well, all--Cindy in
North Mankato<br>
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