Michael and Tweeters,

It may be that neither Pine Siskins nor Red Crossbills nest on Spencer
Island. However, I'll bet that both species are nesting in the nearest
patch of conifer forest, likely within 2 or 3 miles of Spencer Island.

During surveys I did last month on Whidbey Island for the Island
County Breeding Bird Atlas, Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills--
especially the latter-- were among the most abundant breeding birds on
the island. I suspect the same is true in Snohomish County this year.
(Both species are known to have major year-to-year differences in
abundance in the breeding season, unlike most bird species.)

Sincerely,

Wayne C. Weber
Kamloops and Delta, BC
contopus at home.com


----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Dossett <phainopepla at yahoo.com>
To: <phainopepla at yahoo.com>; <Tweeters at u.washington.edu>;
<pkorch at seanet.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2001 10:36 PM
Subject: Re: Spencer Island 8/5/01 -- addendum


> Ooops,
>
> I forgot to mention the pair of PINE SISKINS and
> single RED CROSSBILL which flew over. Although not
> unheard of, both seemed a little out of season.
>
> Michael Dossett
> phainopepla at yahoo.com
>