More territory establishment time.

One interesting behavior of CapHill ANHU seen whilst out walking was
three ANHU in a chase (line astern) flying over the "singing perch"
tree of another male ANHU. Of course that male had to join in and
chase the 3 interlopers off. Four headed over the near by house and
out of sight. This is the most I've seen in one "action".

I'm trying to start mapping Anna's territories on west side of
Capitol Hill, Seattle. I've not well defined the boundaries yet but
north of John, east of Broadway, west of 19th Ave and south of Boston
(perhaps). Any input welcomed (e.g. the street address of a singing
male would be helpful).

Though Anna's do start courtship with a dive and a "pop" (female
selection of the most intimidating males perhaps?). Courtship is
mainly convincing the female to mate for a couple of seconds then off
to find another female or drive other males off the territory :-)

On Jan 29, 2009, at 3:24 PM, Ellen Blackstone wrote:

> I've been hearing males *popping* a lot, so it's clearly courtship
> time. (It does seem to me that the males pop a bit all year long.
> Probably a territorial thing...)

--
Kevin Purcell
kevinpurcell at pobox.com