On Sun, 17 May 1998, Joanne Schmitt wrote:

> I just saw a White-breasted Nuthatch at my finch feeder! I didn't even
> know we have them around here. I have seen many in the east, especially
> Mass., but never one here. Does anyone know how common they are in the
> Pacific Northwest? Am I freaking out over a common bird?

They're common in some local areas, particulary in Oregon, east slope
of the Cascades perhaps. Maybe I am the only Tweeter who
does not know where you live Joanne. White-breasted Nuthatches have
declined to perilously low numbers in the Puget lowlands. Here,
virtually any sighting would be very noteworthy. Chris Chappell
has informed me that there is one location in the Puget lowlands
where they can still be seen each breeding season.

Kelly McAllister