He’s back! He’s our most frequent visitor now, actually. We really enjoy him stopping by. He still tends to look in the window a little, but now that he’s more confident, he perches on the plant stand, then on its leg, where he perks his crest up and does some chirping. Then he heads for a peanut. Mrs. Cardinal has not been seen. I hope to see some juveniles when the time comes, though. I don’t know when that is, but I’ll keep watching for them.

The tufted titmice have returned as well, one of them stopping to sing on the balcony, which was lovely. I usually hear the singing from the trees only, and the little chirps when they come to eat. Chickadees are in and out as well.

The one little guy who hasn’t made an appearance is the white-breasted nuthatch. Which surprises me, but he must have found something better than shelled peanuts, because I see him on the trees around the house; he just doesn’t come to the balcony to eat anymore. I do miss seeing him.

But it’s been worth it – the mourning doves are not so interested anymore. They do come around every now and then to walk around on the balcony, as if they just want to make sure I don’t slip some sunflowers or millet out there. They’ve been dining at the other building. That suits me just fine, things are much neater now.

I also did have a finch stop by but he didn’t stay long, there being no more thistle around. I gather they’re not big on peanuts.