DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin is still seeking volunteers to serve as tutors and English conversation partners because we have many new adult students that have a critical need to work on their education and English-speaking skills. The 10-hour workshop will be held over two consecutive days at USM/LA College, 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston on Oct. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A two-hour English Conversation Partners virtual training will also be held in October, with the date to be determined to fit the schedule of the participants.
If you are age 21 or older, have at least a 12th grade reading level, are patient, organized, and a good listener, you can be a Literacy Volunteer. Registration is required.
For information call 207-753-6658, or email literacy@literacyvolunteersandro.org. Details can also be found on our website at http://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org. — No name, no town
ANSWER: I urge you to be involved in this volunteer opportunity. It’s highly rewarding, you’ll meet interesting people, and will be making such a difference in the lives of these people who need to speak the language and know how to read so they can be get through their days here, find job and excel at their employment/school, and help their families. Imagine being in a different country and not knowing how to read or even speak and understand the language.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the lack of birds at feeders, this is not uncommon when there is a good supply of their natural seeds and food. This year there is a bumper crop of cones, plants and weed seeds. Birds prefer natural food.
This is not the first year this has happened. We have been fortunate this year to have identified 32 different species of birds. Now we have an occasional woodpecker and blue jay. — Barbara, no town
ANSWER: Thanks for the reassurance!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here is a link for an article which is an explanation for why there is a lack of birds at feeders this fall: https://www.mahoosuc.org/post/bumper-cone-crop-bonanza-for-birds
It’s an article from the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s recent newsletter. The author says there is an overabundance of pine cones from Eastern white pine trees this year so the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks are feasting on the seeds inside them. It’s a very interesting article and certainly explains what’s going on. — No name, no town
ANSWER: Thank you! This is an interesting, brief article explaining why the bumper crop of pine cones is contributing to the lack of birds at your feeds. They could just be busy elsewhere.
I want to add that I was on Peaks Island in Casco Bay this past weekend and the birds were very abundant and joyously making themselves known. It was wonderful to hear and see all the activity. Meanwhile, here at my home in the woods, the red squirrels are leaving their numerous pine cone petal piles all over the place, letting me know they’re alive and well!
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