SCHEDULING UPDATE: Jeffrey, the Yellow Grosbeak was seen by several birders today, 3/18. Shianne, the landowner, asked for me to make a slight update about birders' arrival times and dates, as follows:1. Please wait until until 1-2 days before you visit to notify her. She has too many projects underway (especially with her kids) to track who's coming and when. Just know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits. Stay tuned here or via Discord for time or date changes.2. She prefers afternoons (noon to dark) due to her busy schedule but she's willing to make exceptions within reason...but please, not before 8:30a. 3. If you ask for a morning exception, please do not show up earlier than when she expects you. She's got young children to feed, clean and dress (plus get herself ready for the day) -- and she's busy trying to get all this done before an early bird shows up. Again, though, she prefers afternoons and may end morning exceptions if they become too frequent or earlyShe wants folks to know that she has truly enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing where they've come from etc. Oregon is the furtherest for someone to travel from so far, but she got a real kick out of a fellow who flew in, rented a car, purchased food and snacks for a long wait, and the bird showed up within a few minutes after his arrival. So he called the airline to move up his return flight and left early. Who does this!?! We'll, we know, don't we? 😉I'm sure some of the names on her sign-in book would give us a fascinating picture of the Big Year folks and other serious birders from around the country who have paid a visit to see this beautiful yellow and black bird.Also...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.REMINDERS: To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible (within reason--but please, not beforev8:30a). There is a $25/person donation/access fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Enjoy! Patty McLean
