Tweeters,
I am doing the Project Feederwatch for Cornell University. I reported 8 Spotted Tohees in our yard and they told me that was highly unusual for our area. The tohees had 3 clutches this last summer and it may be a result of our feeding them so well. I have been putting out fresh corn on the cob to try to keep the squirrels away from the feeder and the tohees just love it. So do the Song Sparrows. The Song Sparrows were singing again on Tuesday. Music to my ears.

I was able to count more individual tohees than I could see at one time because of their incessent eeping. We can count 4-5 birds under the feeder at one time but can hear them all around the yard. There is still one tohee that has a tumor on his head the size of his head. But he seems to be eating well anyway. There is quite a lot of brush for them to hide in. They do squabble with each other and chase each other around the yard. Now thats entertainment.

The highlight of Tuesdays count though was 15 California Quail under our feeder. I had no idea there were so many around here. We can hear them calling but they rarely come to the yard. I purchased a new black oil feeder and the chickadees have been creating a frenzy. It must be what attracted the quail. There has also been many Ruby Crowned and Golden Crowned Kinglets mixed with the chickadees. They are such beautiful little critters. There are many more Chestnut Backed compared to the numbers of Black Capped, but they seem to stick with their own kind and fight over who dominates the feeders.
Nancy Lander
Renton, WA.