Tweets,

I've noticed a big drop off in the number of Rufous Hummingbirds at my
feeders this year, but I attributed that to the removal of the scotch broom
next door. Also, for the first time in 3 years one of my two bird houses is
not being used by Violet-Green Swallows. There appear to be a similiar number
of VGs around compared to last year but I don't have any hard data.

Phil Kelley
Lacey, WA
scrbjay at aol.com

In a message dated 98-05-30 18:08:31 EDT, mrm at WILLAPABAY.ORG writes:

<< 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.
>>