05/30/98

Here in Pacific co., WA, we have noticed that we have many fewer than usual
Rufous Hummingbirds at our feeders this year. Several friends in our
immediate area have also noted the same. For example people who usually
have 20 in previous years now have 2 this yr. We usually have 5 to 10, this
year 3 is our high number. We are wondering -- have others noted a similar
shortage, or is this perhaps just a local phenom?

We have also noted many fewer swallows (VG, Tree, Barn, RW) than usual,
altho this is an extension of gradual reductions over the last ten years.

Please answer to entire list, as we would like to solicit a diverse
viewpoint on this subject.

Thanks for any info on this.

Alan & Ann
mrm at WILLAPABAY.ORG (Alan Richards & Ann Musche')