On Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at McNary NWR, Walla Walla Co., WA, the
Song Sparrows and the Red-winged Blackbirds were singing. I also noticed
Red-wings singing in Colfax, Whitman Co., and Song Sparrows were singing in
Irrigon, Morrow Co., Oregon. This was the first time I had heard either
species sing.
On Monday, Feb. 2, I noticed that several of the American Robins
have began singing around my house.
Of course, the earliest singer was the House Finch. They started up
on Jan. 28.
I have read several post from other parts of the country
(particularly Kansas) that suggest their Red-winged Blackbirds began setting
up territories this week as well. The weather in Kansas has been fairly
normal; sounds like the days are getting long enough for the Red-winged
Blackbirds!
Considering I haven't seen any hummingbirds yet this year, I have to
look for what signs I can get.
A sign that winter isn't yet over: I spotted a Northern Shrike in
Franklin County, WA on Saturday somewhere between Kahlotus and Connell.
Large flocks of Horned Larks were also present.

Deb Beutler
Department of Zoology
P.O. Box 644236
Washington State Univerisity
Pullman, Whitman Co., WA
dbeutler at wsunix.wsu.edu