At 03:51 PM 11/20/2009, Dave Mcneely wrote:
>Winter goldfinch is something I thought of, but David did not mention
>wing bars, which goldfinch definitely has and junco definitely does not.
>Goldfich also has pinkish bill that appears yellowish to some in dim
>light and from some angles.  But yeah, goldfinch is possibility, and if
>David is in an urban setting, goldfinches might not be common in his
>yard, so not expected.  David

We have lovely goldfinches (smaller than "my" bird), but they left a
while ago.  The juncos arrived in some force a couple days ago; and
in the meantime I've caught the strange one with binocs.  Drum
roll...it's a sparrow with very light underparts and gray back with
subdued striping -- holding a piece of corn in its bill.  Which
explains why I only ever saw it on the feeder.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Yours,
David