There was mention of Rufous Hummingbirds in a recent post. We always have a
family best guess contest for the return date. Recent dates have been in
the range from about March 5 to March 20. My rule of thumb is to watch for
the Salmon Berry blossoms; I have never seen a Rufous H. before these are
out, I think they follow them north. Any other "rules of thumb" or
different date ranges?

Other yardbird notes for this winter: No Siskins, lots more Golden-Crowned
Kinglets than ususal, Starlings are reappearing in nearby "California style"
housing area looking like they are close to nesting.


Charles Vaughan
cev at rocket.com
Woodinville, WA