The trick was the right food and feeder. Where I thought there were no goldfinches, within two days I had several pairs as daily visitors. This has continued for several months. Louise Peck of Ridgefield is wondering whether she had an American pipit visiting her yard twice last week. The tan bird, about the size of a catbird, had a very sharp bill and white outer tail feathers.
Pipits usually summer above the Arctic Circle and winter in the southern states.
At Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, they have been seen in every season except summer. Pre-registration requested but not required. Walks meet at the Nature Center.