I think an important point is nearby habitat. Even this time of year I
often can find a few townsend's if I search enough in kinglet and CB
Chickadee flocks. They also seem to be localized. Charlie Wright often
makes me jealous by hearing that he'll have a half dozen or more
townsend's in his backyard in Bonney lake at once this time of year.
Charlie care to comment more? So, I think most urban and suburban areas
they can and do show up, but if you happen to be in a good location or
near parcels of coniferous forest, I think their abundance certainly
increases. Either way a really nice bird to see on a cold winter day
when most of their relatives won't be back for at least 3 more months.
Also a quick note for those that are in Western Washington. In the
kittitas valley, there seems to be the chance for an early spring. While
the shrub-steppe oftens becomes active early, the valley is beginning to
green up and the last few days have seen highs over 50, approaching the
mid 50's. To see if species do respond to an early spring will be
interesting to see as reports begin to pile in of returning migrants.

Good birding all.

Scott Downes
downess at cwu.edu
Ellensburg WA