Only since last year when I purchased a separate birdfeeder for sunflower chips, did I see my first goldfinch in our backyard.  

Well, there haven't been many visitors to that feeder in awhile, and I don't know why. It's the same seed that I've used in the past. I thought maybe it was wet, but it's completely dry, so it's kind of a mystery.

I've had the finch feeder out front for a few years, but never have I seen a goldfinch at it.  Today I saw up to SIX of 'em in the dogwood.  Managed to get a pic of a group of three.

They were there for most of the afternoon. It was a comfort looking out the kitchen window and seeing them. Another sign (just like the robin) that spring really is here.



I've been in a "down" mood today overall, upon hearing about the death of David Kellermann.  As some of you already knew, and those who've read my post from last October know, I worked at Freddie for over 20 years. I think of my former colleagues as extended family.
I didn't know David personally, but I remember his name from email distros over the years, and our internal and external websites.

It's such a senseless loss. I can't imagine what his family is going through. I suspect they will be haunted for the rest of their lives.
It's just so incredibly sad.   I have heard rumors of a note he might have left behind, but until that is known, and the contents revealed, only his family will  know why he did it.

To anyone thinking about taking such a permanent decision, PLEASE think of how your loved ones will be affected.  There's nothing so horrible (well, short of you being a terrorist and executing innocent people) that would make them want your existence wiped out.

Thank God he didn't take his family out with him, as the guys in Middletown and Towson, MD did.