Tweets,

have had three black-throated grey warblers in the neighborhood (all
visually identified), singing three different songs. The first, and the
song sung by the local bird last year, is a buzzy
"chu-chu-chu-chu-cheweet", typically rising in pitch from beginning to end.
The length is variable, by addition or subtraction of syllables, or
occasionally dropping the last syllable. The last syllable may occasionally
drop in pitch as well.

The second begins with a trilled note, then ends with the same "cheweet" as
above. Again, length is variable.

When I first heard the third example, I was convinced I had another
species, and spent a good two hours chasing him around before finally
getting a definative look; it sounds more like
"schku-schku-schku-schku-tweet!" The first syllables have the same buzzy
quality as above, but all the same pitch, or rising *very* slightly, and
the last syllable is much more piercing, with a metallic quality. And
again, length is variable. This is the bird who has established his
territory closest to the house this year, so I've been treated to his song
regularly for the last couple of weeks. Even more fascinating to me is the
fact that in the last three days, the last syllable of his song has begun
to take on more of the qualities of his neighbors', becoming less metallic,
but having more of a two-part feel: "chew-weet" as opposed to "cheweet".

With all the cigars being handed out here recently, I have to mention that
I saw two song sparrow fledglings making their first visit to the feeder
this morning. Not eating on their own yet, but they know where the handouts
are...

Rob Saecker
Olympia