Subject: [Tweeters] Red Crossbills in new waterfall today,
Date: Aug 20 15:46:49 2009
From: Vicki Biltz - vickibiltz at msn.com



Hi, Have been too busy to get out birding, but my gardens have produced plenty of happy birds. I love the increase of birds I continue to see, since I am strictly organic now, and focused on native plants. Today while pruning back my Hydrangeas (I kept them) I heard a bit of chipping. I had heard the Red Crossbills flying overhead recently, along with the Evening Grosbeaks (which are starting to grow in numbers) but thought nothing of it. They never stay in my yard. But today a pair of them sat and waited on me to get out of the way, then proceeded to bathe in my waterfall. Obviously they have used it before, as the first one, flew right to the rock that is best for bathing. (photo of the waterfall, not the birds is on my flickr account below, it was taken right after it was done, the water had not even cleared up).
Last week I had a Townsends Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Black Throated Gray, all at the same time, late morning through the afternoon. I could even have gotten the Wilson's and Townsend's in the same photograph, if I had my equipment set up (I did not). I also had a Willow Flycatcher much of that day, a family of Bewick's,(who seem to like hanging out in the Hydrangeas) large numbers of Bushtits. Siskin's started showing up a few days ago, (only a few), Cedar Waxwings, not to mention all the regulars. I have only had suet out until a couple of days ago. I think most are feeding on the aphids, and the fruiting plants, and flying insects. The woodpecker activity at this time seems to have the Pileated's absent, but the rest still show up. The Warblers and flycatcher are gone, but others are still showing up, such as the crossbills today.I still have lots of bees around, more honey bees now than before, and some I do not have a clue about. A great reward for having a garden!That is all, gotta get back to work!

Vicki Biltz
Bonney Lake, Wa
vickibiltz at msn.com
http://www.sawwhetsnew.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saw-whets_new/