If my local Red-breasted Nuthatches are any indicator of RB Nut nesting
success this year it is a good year for them. My local pair are on their
third nesting this year. The pair are constantly coming in to take
sunflower seeds off into the woods. They continually fly off in the same
direction, making several trips an hour. They are so intent on taking seed
that they will fly within a foot or so of me when I'm out of the deck. They
show no fear even when I take the cats out for a stroll (on leashes for
sure).

The mourning doves are still here in number with at least 15 adults and
young feeding throughout the day. And the moutain quail family visited
yesterday with the female and 3 kids at once and then a few minutes later
the male and one much older chick with him. The other day they startled me
when the female came up onto the deck while the others foraged under the
deck. The younger chicks are starting to show adult coloration and the
older chick is almost completely in adult plumage.

A lone immature black-headed grosbeak is lingering around while the rest of
them have headed south. A regular mob of American goldfinch are emptying
the thistle feeder every other day. The flock includes about 15 immature
goldfinches. Guess those six males that were here earlier had a good summer
if you know what I mean. Two rufuous hummers continue to feed off plants in
the yard as well as from the nectar bottles.

A lone vulture continues to float up and down the valley in the afternoon.
A couple days ago an adult sharp-shinned hawk brought its youngster in to
show it where it could find food in my yard. Listening the the adults calls
to bring the kid out into the open an interesting challenge in decoding bird
talk.

Otherwise the world continues to rotate in space and the birds continue to
entertain and educate me. Keep those eyes, ears and minds open.

Mary Hrudkaj
Belfair/Tahuya