Hi, Tweets,

Yesterday while in Chehalis, my husband saw four Blue Jays. He was born and
raised in Minnesota, so he knows the difference between Blue, Stellar's and
Scrub jays. These were most definitely Blues.
Out here in Mima Mounds, I saw a pair of Scrub Jays. That's unusual for
here, it's the first time I've seen them in this area.
Last night, a White Tailed Kite flew overhead. I saw a pair of them two
weeks ago, but this one was solo. I did hear contact calls, so I am assuming
there are still two in the area.
Yesterday morning a whole swirl (what a neat word, who ever coined it in
regards to swallows is imaginative) of Violet Green swallows were here.There
must have been thirty of them, along with a couple of Barn Swallows.
Two Turkey Vultures flew by, and three Red Tailed hawks were
rollercoastering overhead. Two were of the same size, and through my binos I
could see both of them were soaring with their legs dangling.
There were several juvenile White Crowned sparrow in my birdbath, numerous
American goldfinches porking out on thistle seed, and I heard ONE Common
Yellowthroat song. Just the one, as if he was saying, Hmmm, do I still have
it??

Is it my imagination, or has this been a banner year for Yellowjackets?
They've been numerous for months, far more so than other years, and this year
exceptionately aggressive. WHen I fill my birdbath, they are right there,
drinking and not very happy at my intrusion. I've seen them chase my birds
out of it!! They've cost me $250 in vet bills after stinging my horse, who
then suffered a reaction to their venom. Though I love the summer, I'm ready
for the frost, just to kill off these durned 'jackets! (of course, Imust
admit, I haven't seen a single tomato hornworm in my garden..yellowjackets
hunt them, I think....)
Michelle