A male rufous hummingbird has been present around my yard for a couple of
weeks feeding primarily from salmonberry flowers in the neighbor's woodlot.
I have lots of blooming red flowering currant and Indian plum scattered
throughout my property, but he seems to favor the salmonberry flowers for
now. It could be their location--the largest concentration that is presently
blooming is located in a wooded area dominated by alders and Himalayan
blackberry brambles--a nice protected area for nesting. Last week I put up
two feeders by the house and he visits them regularly now. Hopefully he'll
find the currants soon while they're still blooming.

A male towhee has been singing regularly from a favorite perch in a young
alder. Yesterday I saw both the male and a female in the same area with
nesting material in their beaks. I have several towhees in my yard and
adjoining woods year-round; I am looking forward to seeing a new crop of
youngsters soon.

-jody




Jody Breckenridge
North of Monroe, Snohomish County
jbreckenridge at r2usa.com