A mixed flock of between 35 and 75 American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins  has 
been observed regularly over the past three weeks at the sunflower  hearts 
feeders.  The proportion of siskins has steadily increased to more  than half 
the flock.  Today, a single Common Redpoll was observed among the  flock!
Late in the fall after some excavating, a small mound of soil/gravel  was 
left in the vicinity of the feeders.  Some of the finches seem to have  taken 
advantage of the situation and have been observed  picking at the gravel 
particles.  Also the water reticulation system  that was set up last year continues to 
operate efficiently throughout the cold  weather, much to the delight of the 
finches.
Cheers,
Roy Pilcher
Proctor, Vermont. 

Speaking  the Same Language