Downy

As in Downy Woodpecker, a very common bird here in our garden.  North America's smallest woodpecker, measuring at about 6 inches in length, and can be found throughout N. America.  The fact that they are so common does not make them any less adorable, though, and I am always happy to see them in the garden.  

We had a rare window-strike this morning when a female Purple Finch hit hard.  I kept her in a box for a while to let her recover but when I opened the box and she flew out, I could tell she wasn't right.  She's out of reach in one of the trees outside, but I suspect she will not survive.  Even when birds take off and fly after a hard hit, they often have brain damage to such a degree that they will not live.  I am glad that window hits here are rare.  There was a huge flock of grackles moving in the woods and I wonder if they spooked her?  I will keep checking on her, from a distance, but there isn't really anything else to be done.

We have our first fire going in the fireplace and both Jax and Charlie immediately jockeyed for the premium spot right in front of the blower.  Never mind that there is room for both of them - Charlie prefers to have the entire space for himself.  

My SIL is coming over for dinner tonight - will be nice to see her as it has been a while.  And tomorrow I will be getting an early start to photograph the Rally Trials.  

TTFN
Debbi

PS and the chocolate cheesecake came out okay.  I think it isn't quite sweet enough and the consistency is more dense than I'd like, but it's very edible.  Probably won't use this recipe again though.