I am happy to report the sighting of two new life birds today.  A Common
Redpoll came to my feeder area.  I didn't see him eat anything, but he
looked all around and I got a nice view of his lovely markings, and then
headed to the book to confirm. While I was shoveling out my car
(groan),  I heard a big racket and sure enough it was a Pileated
Woodpecker in my neighbor's wild grape vines.  It stayed around long
enough for me to get the binoculars and have a long look.  I  have heard
them on my walks, but only rarely and never have been able to confirm
with my eyes.  They look so much more exotic than they do in the books!
And oh, that bright red head, white markings on the neck and under the
wings and jet black body against the snow!  It was a very good day,
which also included the interesting sight of 15 Mourning Doves
cooperatively feeding  in a  space  at the base of the feeder just
slightly bigger than  themselves.  I've decided I do like snow after
all, if such bird excitement comes with it.

-Sharon Tierra
Brookline