Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.  Of course, I was hoping  for an egg from Beauty.  Her grand-mother-in-law gave me one !

Mark, whatever you buy, try them first.  Everyone's eyes are different.

Am I correct in assuming that this is Worcester, UK?

Mirta, No smilies, no cakes, no bats, just heartfelt wishes for a very Happy Birthday spent with family, friends and red knots!
Helen in MD

Once upon a time I had one visiting my feeders.  It had a copper band which is supposed to be on all caged birds.  Check and see if yours has one and if so, it is an escaped bird. 
Someone mentioned that the proverbial they were trying to introduce the European Goldfinch in the US.  Any more details on that?

Helen - this is out your neck of the woods!   

Yeah, the reporter called me last week for info on breeding and nesting.  Been away all weekend at birding conference so haven't looked at the article.  Guess I better go do that.

Paul,
So glad they are back and apparently successfully nesting.  Thanks for the update and hope you can hike down there for a few more shots later on in the season.

Anne, my sympathies to you and your family.  May pleasant memories carry you through this difficult time.

The reason the rock pigeon, English (house) sparrow, European starling and monk parakeet are not protected is that they are not native birds.  All native birds are protected everywhere in the US.

Happy Birthday, my friend.  What's this about yard work today - no, no!  No work allowed on birthdays.  You must just watch Nascar, the cameras, and the guys doing all the labor.  Have a great year.
 

 
Its been a long wait.  Way to go Beauty and Archer.

Thank you folks, it was a great one!  Only trouble is that the number keeps getting higher.

This is Rhea Mae's 3rd Season, so that makes her 5-years old!  Amazing.
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She was hatched in 2006, so will turn 5 in a month or so.

Paul, my all your wishes come true.  Best wishes for a healthy, happy and birdy year.

Black X8 over Green 7.  Any help on where this bird was banded will be appreciated.  The "8" is questionable so could be B.  I do think Black over Green is NE US, right?
Thanks