> From: Rick Romea <romea at stiopt.com>
> Yesterday at Nisqually I saw and heard a Ruby-crowned Kinglet starting
> into its song. Sort of tentative, with little soft complex phrases,
> but not quite there yet. Eagles and Owls notwithstanding, the Kinglet
> 'almost' singing was my highlight for the day.

I heard similar halting phrases from a ruby-crown just a few days ago. I find
that "not quite there yet" describes every r.c. kinglet I've ever heard sing in
western Washington. Hearing them go at it in Maine and Labrador was
astonishing. With these and the Winter Wrens I think, "How does such incredible
music come from that tiny a bird?"
--
Scott Richardson
northeast Seattle
salix at halcyon.com
http://www.halcyon.com/salix/