In the past we have considered ourselves fortunate to be visited by one
or two Wood Ducks. This spring, Wood Ducks have been descending on us for
several weeks. Last Friday, five males and three females graced the
cracked-corn chowline at the pond out our kitchen window. They seem to be
holding their own at the chowline with the Mallards and the pair of Canada
Geese that have recently adopted us. The Mandarin couple also visits us
every day, as they have since they first appeared last December. They keep
their distance from the other ducks, but are very assertive and get their
share of the daily feast. A Gadwall pair showed up one day last week just
as we were driving out the driveway. Wonder if they managed to get a few
nibbles of corn. We have not seen them since.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is still here. They have not left for the dry
side of the mountains. I saw the male fliting around the N.E. stream of
the tree farm, making like a flycatcher, and a very successful one at
that. He uttered nary a "jidit" nor a practice phrase of his aria; just
flashed that brilliant ruby crown at me and caught a small moth.
Isn't observing bird activities thrilling! I never tire of it.

Bill and Erin Woods Woods Tree Farm Redmond, WA U.S.A.
<wwwbike at halcyon.com>