We had some very good birding at Wenas Creek on the last Saturday in
June.

We watched Red-naped Sapsuckers and a Western Bluebird competing for
hours over the rights to perches near the stream. They were both
flycatching from these perches, and there was considerable animosity
between them. At one point, my parents saw a sapsucker sneak up and
"goose" the bluebird (poked it with its beak) to oust it from the best
branch.

There were many many nighthawk flying and calling all morning; I've
never seen so many, especially during the day.

We found a flock of pygmy nuthatches, including many juveniles still
begging for food. There were probably 10-12 birds. Could this be
several families together?

On two occasions, I saw western bluebirds chase away chipmonks. In one
case, the chipmonk was near the nest box. In the second instance, I
don't believe there was a nest nearby (it was the bird flycatching by
the stream).

There was a lot of copulation going on. (This is not something I even
have a code for in my notes :) ). I specifically remember Cassin's
Finch, Western Bluebird, (and chipmonks), but I am forgetting some. I
presume this is second brood activity.

Great looks at White-headed Woodpecker (male and female), Solitary
Vireo, and Calliope Hummingbird, and a Says Phoebe at Hardy Canyon on
Sunday.


== Michael Hobbs
== Redmond WA
== mikeho at microsoft.com