Regarding South Padre Island area birding, we are David and Marianne Book. residents of Worcester, Vermont. During the winter months we volunteer at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 100,000 acre refuge sprea over three units, one on SPI itself. We lead bird tours and staff the visitor center. This is our fifth winter staying in that area coming up. It is indeed a very birdy area and plenty of water this year from what we hear. There are 15 or more extremely productive birding areas including our refuge and Santa Ana NWR up at McAllen. There are 8 non profit birding centers up and down the Rio Grande from South Padre itself to Falcon Lake to the North and numerous other sites like state and community parks. We would be delighted to show you around or attempt to answer any particular question you may have.
Regards,
DAvid Book


-----Original Message-----
From: Martha & Bill McClintock <[log in to unmask]>
To: VTBIRD <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sun, Oct 28, 2018 8:58 am
Subject: [VTBIRD] Fall Feeding

As I share my land with a large variety of wild creatures, including bears,
I take my platform and hopper feeders in in April and just put out hanging
feeders during the day all spring, summer, and early fall.  In general,
when is it safe to put out and fill platform and hopper feeders in the fall
as they have to stay up at night?  I thought that it was safe and put them
out on Friday but we are clearly having night visitors.

And who else is having an absolute invasion of squirrels?

Thank you for advice.  I am off to see if I can see the godwit...

Martha
(usually birding in) Westford

P.S.  Thinking about a February trip to South Padre Island area.  If
anyone has advice or suggestions, I would love to hear from you off the
VTBird list.  Thanks.