While resting in the yard for a moment from a foray into the scotch broom mess I noticed what looked like a really large mourning dove fly up into a poplar along with several other doves. As the large guy landed I saw the distinctive band on its tail. Later using binoculars I could easily see the white band on the back of the neck. This is the earliest band-tailed pigeon return to my yard in the six years I've been here.

And yesterday while doing a count for an area for the GBBC I watched two Barrow's Goldeneyes mating. And with my crocus in bloom - yes - spring isn't far away.

Mary Hrudkaj
Belfair/Tahuya
_________________________________________________________________
Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser!
http://biggestloser.msn.com/