The surprise in early migrant news was the report of a Rufous
male at Waldport on the central Oregon Coast (a week to 10 days
ahead of schedule) followed by two at the same location the next
day. Given that no reports had yet occurred south of Waldport
it's difficult to say whether these are over-wintering birds on
the move or very early regular migrants.

The first "on-time" migrant was reported at Port Orford, OR
three days later.

Waldport, OR 02-04-2001 44.4138 123.9775
Port Orford, OR 02-07-2001 42.74988 124.49554

Anna's Hummingbirds have been reported doing courtship displays
from several locations. Surprisingly little is known about
nesting patterns north of central California. If your Anna's
sets up to nest, that would be very useful information. Of
particular interest would be nesting, hatching and fledging
dates. And what sort of habitat do they choose to nest in?

In flower news, the manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula) is in bloom
in Curry and Coos Cos on the south coast of Oregon. Salmonberry
(Rubus spectabilis) has also been reported to be blooming there.
It has been a very mild winter with uncharacteristically sunny
winter days, so early blooming is not surprising.

On the north coast of Oregon, willow (Salix spp) is beginning
to flower. Fully stamenate flowers can be found in open areas.
Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) is beginning to leaf out,
but no flowers are showing nor are there and flowers on
Salmonberry.

If you can help us track the spring hummingbird migration visit:
http://www.pacifier.com/~neawanna/humm/count.html

--
Mike Patterson Alas, to wear the mantle of Galileo,
Astoria, OR it is not enough to be persecuted
celata at pacifier.com by an unkind establishment,
you must also be right.
---Robert Park
http://www.pacifier.com/~neawanna/humm/count.html