As I stepped out the back door about 6:30 yesterday morning I heard it,
the unmistakeable full-throated song of the Black-headed Grosbeak. And
there he was at the tip-top of a tall western red cedar tree, singing away
as if to announce "I'm back! Look me over now, for later on I'll sing from
the inner branches of the deciduous trees where I'm difficult to spot."
How true! I savored the moment.

The Bushtits have built their hanging nest in a hazelnut tree not far from
our back door. It is wonderful to see them flying to and from the nest.

The Robin's nest in a small cedar tree next to one of our ponds is empty
now. It seems too early to have fledged the hatchlings. It was probably
ravaged by a crow.

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