Tweets -

Took advantage of a brief break in the weather this morning to visit one
of my favorite haunts - a madrone grove in a greenbelt in the Somerset
area of Bellevue. After over 4" of rain in 24 hours, 3 thunderstorms
with hail and a wind gust to 57 mph on Saturday night I wasn't sure what
to expect. The madrone berry crop is average this year in the
neighborhood. The storms have taken their toll and in places the ground
is covered in bright red and orange berries that have fallen on top of
maple leaves in all shades of yellow, really beautiful.

The trees were literally crawling with birds. I saw tremendous numbers
of ROBINS (500-600)and VARIED THRUSHES (150+!!!!). Additionally there
were CEDAR WAXWINGS (50), RED CROSSBILLS (40), PINE SISKINS (200),
STARLINGS (100), HOUSE FINCHES (60), PURPLE FINCHES (30), STELLARS JAYS
(40), SCRUB JAY (1), CB and BC Chickadees, RS Flickers, Downey
Woodpeckers, both Kinglets, a hive of about 80 bushtits, a RAVEN, and
numerous crows in the area.

Visiting madrone groves at berry time is one of my favorite treats.

Upon returning home I had at one time in two adjacent feeders
Chestnut-backed, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees. A nice addition
to a good day on the hill.

Rob Conway
Bellevue, WA

robin_conway at hotmail.com

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