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Ah, my favorite thread. I saw a juvenile Downy for the first time yesterday too. Little mighty-mites they are-- almost robotic in their movement. LOL I think you'll find they will become loyal visitors if you put out suet cakes or peanut butter. And Red Bellies favor nuts and apples, surprisingly.

The Mockers will appreciate the blueberry bush, I'm sure. I have 4 juveniles(two from each clutch) who are fighting over this territory, and behaving quite as mature Mockers. Soon, they will all be forced out by the parents.

Despite the activity, my sanctuary has seen better days. We are in the middle of a drought here, I've got serious infestation of webworms(already well chronicled), and I just looked outside and saw three young Cardinals feeding on the ground along side about NINE rats. The rats are really becoming a problem and health concern. I've raked and raked the seeds and husks, but I just can't seem to get them all up. I'm dreaming of an outdoor vacuum cleaner. Yep, that's it. :)

That is such a bummer, Dysart! Rats would put me in a panic!
There's an empty house behind us. The owner never mows that lawn. It's beyond knee deep. We are next to a Greenbelt. I fear that we will soon become over run with mice. I thought I heard a mouse in the shed when getting things out tonight. Aahh. I pray I never see a rat! That's a problem. Good luck. I hope you can run them off somehow. Good Luck with those gross webworms too.

I read on a garden forum, someone uses a shop vac for their seed. I was thinking to get them with the Lawn mower with bag attached. I'll try tomorrow and see if it does the job at all. I'll let you know.

I put up three suet cakes. It is so special to have Woodpeckers visiting. I'm hoping Flicker comes with his Juveniles this year. Dad Flicker fed them here last year.;)

That picture you had of the juvenile Mocker is priceless. If you have anymore shots, please post them. They are hysterical. I can't wait to see them all feeding at the fruit.