Camo Ruddy and Backyard Merlin

October 21 Email:

The last time I sent you a picture (posted below), I didn't explain it.  A Ruddy Duck at the Wastewater was diving within the green slime area and came up with this slime over it.  So I called it "camo ruddy".  Here's a better picture.  -Phil Willemstein

Thanks for the update, Phil.  We have bunches of Pine Siskins at our feeder today.  This afternoon Carol looked out the kitchen window and noticed this Merlin at the top of a tree.  Good yard birds!  - Ric