Hi Tweeters,

Noting the decline of RBSA on the Seattle CBC, I feel proud to note, for
the second year in a row, the species in my tiny, very urban side yard
next to a 4-story apt. bldg. on 1/26/08. We saw this species for the
first time last year on 1/22/07, just the once. The individual this
year stayed in the yard much longer (a couple minutes) and came down
closer to the suet feeders near my window. Gorgeous bird, with more red
on the head than a year ago--nearly completely red except for a few
feathers behind the eyes. Great looks.

I have to wonder why we're suddenly seeing the species at all in such an
exposed setting. Could it be because the accipiters finally managed to
take out all the homing pigeons (ROPI) that were still here after we
eliminated potential nesting spots? The only accipiters that I see
these days are fly bys, not the perching hunters we had until now. A
Bewick's Wren is also much bolder in the yard these last two years. It
began coming to the suet feeders just last fall and I see it every day
now. Perhaps, if I'm very thoughtful, I can coax it to nest here.

Patricia