Subject: Re: Rufous Hummer, etc.
Date: May 13 06:27:20 1998
From: Jack Bowling - jbowling at direct.ca


** Randy wrote from Fort St. James, BC -

> I just attempted to count the Rufous Hummingbirds at my feeders and the best
> guess I have is 50 to 80 and I am using 2 litres of sugar water per day. The
> Russian Willow in front of the house never has less than 20 sitting in it at
> any time.

Egad! No wonder I haven't seen that many here - they all went to the Fort!

> I heard the first Common Yellowthroat and MacGillivery's Warbler of the
> year today and the first Barn Swallow yesterday, I also heard an American
> Bittern at Sowchea Creek.

The yellowthroat fits the pattern of very early scouts this year. I had a
Magnolia Warbler here in Prince George May 2 - previous early record was May 20
- but haven't seen a hint of one since. Expect the main population to filter in
slowly and more or less on time despite the early returns of a few birds. By
the way, birders dwon on the south coast have noted a lack of Barn Swallows this
year. You may want to note if you see the same thing in your neck of the woods.
There may have been a crash of this species over the winter.

- Jack


==========================
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca