Hans asked -

> This is the very first time we have ever
> seen a TOSO in our yard. Have never seen one in our immediate neighborhood.
> The questions: Could it possibly be settling down here? Will the robins
> that frequent my yard drive it away? If it is a ground nester it will not
> have a chance with all the cats around. What is it feeding on? Don't they
> like to bathe? How unusual is this sighting and behavior? Will it stick
> around if there is no mate? Would appreciate hearing from the experts on
> Tweeters. (It may be gone tomorrow for all I know!!)

Through familiarity with this species from the Canadian side of the border,
I would answer:

1) settling down? - no, passing through.
2) robin interaction - probably none.
3) ground nester? - yes, often on deeper roadcuts; low nesting success ratio
due to exposed nests.
4) what feeding on? - they go gaga over juniper berries.
5) like to bathe? - hmmm...never seen one bathing before.
6) unusual sighting? - no, typical migration window.
7) stick around? - I doubt it; should head up into juniper country soon.

Enjoy the bird while you can. Better yet, get up into their own habitat
in a month or so and listen for their rich warbling song.

- Jack



Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca