DEAR SUN SPOTS: All ghosts, goblins and princesses are invited to Montello Manor at 540 College St. in Lewiston for trick-or-treating from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Residents will pass out candy. Please enter through the dining room glass double doors next to the main doors. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: If you are out and about on Halloween with your youngsters, consider making a stop at Montello Manor and putting smiles on the faces of residents there. What a nice idea.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is the time of year when many organizations get ready to do their Christmas fairs. I have several boxes of Christmas decorations, boxes, etc. I would like to donate. First come, first served. Only available to be picked up. Must take all. Call 207-376-5156 — Jeannine, Auburn

ANSWER: I am sure these will be scooped up.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wanted to reach out as we noted your Oct. 10 column about bird populations.

Our staff naturalist has written about why people are seeing fewer birds in their yards and at their feeders now on our website (www.maineaudubon.org/news/where-are-the-birds-lee) and in the Portland Press Herald (www.pressherald.com/2023/10/01/ask-maine-audubon-my-feeders-are-vacant-where-are-the-birds).

Regarding calling Maine Audubon Society, we are not always able to handle calls, and would prefer people read these articles first in hopes that their questions are answered. — Melissa, Maine Audubon Society, Falmouth

ANSWER: Good to know. These links provided by Melissa repeat much of the information we have all been discussing recently in Sun Spots. If your bird feeders are not being used, it is because there is an abundance of food elsewhere.

If you are noticing a lack of birds overall, and not only at your feeders, there could be another explanation. Sharing your observations and location could be helpful to other concerned readers so feel free to write in.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: So many people are remarking about the lack of birds and small animals at this time, not just in the Sun Spots column. I am reading the same observations being made in the Maine Wildlife and Maine Birds pages on Facebook, too. My own feeders have also gone quiet.

A lot of folks are also seeing huge numbers of acorns and beechnuts, the pine trees are loaded with cones, the wildflowers we never got around to mowing after No Mow May are going to seed. The lack of an early frost has allowed the insects more time to be active.

All of this equals an abundance of natural foods available to our birds and critters. We will see them come back once it starts getting cold and the feeders will become the easiest dinner around!

I am using this time to deep clean and do maintenance on my feeders. I will be ready for them. — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: Thank you for the reminder about keeping bird feeders clean. And for those of you who are on Facebook, check out those mentioned pages. There’s lots of good info there.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am slow in doing this, but someone paid for my meal Sept. 24 at the Farmington Diner. I was so surprised. Thank you so much, whoever you are. I will pass it on. — Charlotte, Dixfield

ANSWER: It is never too late to say thank you.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We will not use it if you ask. Please include your telephone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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