Subject: [Tweeters] 1/15 cooperative birds
Date: Jan 16 17:07:21 2007
From: Paul Hicks - phicks at accessgrace.org


Tweets,
Monday I enjoyed above average birding around Tenino (45 spp). The birds
were particularly active and approachable as the bright morning sun warmed
temperatures from 16 to 40 degrees. I believe they were more concerned about
consuming enough calories than they were about my presence. And with all the
snow around the lighting was particularly favorable. Highlights:
- walked right under a Cooper's Hawk, perched undisturbed for 15+ minutes
- 10 Varied Thrush at one apple tree; ~20 for the day, probably most ever;
all were near residences except one in the forest
- number of Fox Sparrows (~15) were double any previous count at all my
"regular" spots (but Song Sparrows and Winter Wrens were fewer)
- male Townsend's Warbler feeding on the ground for 10+ minutes
- first Red-br Nuthatch for a long time (are their numbers down?)
- crossbills and siskins heard, which have been scarce for months
- singing for the first time in a while: Marsh Wren and House Sparrows in 5
spots (often haven't seen a single one lately)
Good birding!
--Paul Hicks
Tenino, s. Thurston Co
phicks AT accessgrace.org