I've also been pondering the Rufous Hummingbird question during the past
several weeks. In Pierce County we've walked through some areas where
we've always seen lots of them. This year, however, we've seen only a
few. Most notably absent was a spot in northeast Pierce County just
East of Greenwater, WA on the Greenwater River. In previous years we've
hiked through a replanted area literally buzzing with hummers. This
year, nothing.

Within the Port of Tacoma area, the VG Swallow population is one of the
best I remember seeing. The largest concentration seems to be along the
Hylebos Creek area of SR 509. Sunday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. I estimate
approximately 250-300 of them within a small area. Within the same area,
Barn Swallow were a little late (week to 10 days) than we expected, but
finally showed up and fairly decent numbers. However no Tree Swallows
this year along the north side of Commencement Bay. Purple Martin
returns along the same area seem a little low too. We have some, but
not the numbers I've been accustomed to seeing.

Is is my imagination or has this May been chillier/wetter than in past
years? Wonder if this might explain reduction in numbers.

Leslie Ann Rose
Tacoma, WA

Alan Richards & Ann Musche' wrote:
>
> 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')
>
>