Dear List members,

After trying many sources for help, I was told to post my question to this
list. I hope you can help.

Shortly after the recent "Hanford" fire, we noticed a small flock of birds
in our back yard in West Richland, WA. that we had not see before, and have
not been able to identify. I am not a birder, so please pardon me if my
description is stated a bit amateurish. Also they seem to perch just beyond
my accurate unaided vision and my field glasses don't focus well at closer
distances so I am a bit unsure of some of the smaller details.

So here goes .

Habitat: Southeastern Washington State - West Richland suburb
Desert Steepe and irrigated farm country - major rivers nearby.

Size = sparrow sized (smaller than a Robin)
Body - Grey or possibly dark olive on the back -- color extends from the
top to the head to the tail.
Belly - Apple green - like a ripe "Green Delicious Apple" -- color extends
from throat to tail
Throat - some appear to be lighter gray, on others, a continuation of the
green body color.
Head - Grey head with possible small darker eye mask
Tail - dark with possible white outer bands.

Song - When first sighted in a group of 12-15 they sang/called
continuously. ... as the size of the group gets smaller (could just find 2
today) they seem to sing/call less often.

Behavior - Perch on outer limbs of trees and power wires. Do not appear to
spend much time on the ground. Appear to pair up as I often see two perched
together touching and preening one another.


My thanks for any help.

Bo Newman
West Richland, WA
bonewman at 3-cities.com