I am also noticing signs of early fall here near Sequim. I
have a gang of Nuthatches furiously hiding sunflower seeds.
In Poulsbo, I rarely saw this kind of activity until late
Sept or Oct. Also, my Goldfinches had their broods earlier
than normal this year. In addition to large flocks of mixed
little birds increasing, yesterday a huge flock (over 60) of
bushtits invaded my house and trees. I was surprised,
because I had read they only get into large flocks in the
winter. Also yesterday, I had two crows harassing a
juvenile hawk (I am pretty sure it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk,
due to the tail). After about 30 minutes of attacking the
young Sharpie, it suddenly did a masterful twist in the air
and came up behind one of the crows, which it promptly
attacked. There ensued several minutes of angry Sharpie
getting back at the crows before they decided they didn't
like the way the tables had been turned. Then this morning
I heard the hawk screaming again and went out to see the
crows harassing it again. I have seen what is probably the
same Sharpie hunting my yard several times in the last
couple of weeks, it is not a very good hunter yet, but the
crows certainly don't want it around.

Joanne Schmitt
between Port Angeles and Sequim