Hey tweets, we haven't had a morning like this since I-can't-remember-
when: I could actually see colors this morning, instead of the usual
dim grays. Not that I'm complaining about the clouds, mind. I love our
gray days.

On view again this morning, as yesterday, was a gorgeous Greater
Yellowlegs foraging on Shoveler's Pond. This bird is still in breeding
plumage and is simply stunning. Unlike most Yellowlegses I have known
and loved, this one seems to be quite unshy. Even when dogs walk by,
it barely slows from its frenetic foraging. Yesterday it was unfazed
by the overprotective Killdeer that was buzzing five innocent Least
Sandpipers on the pond. The Killdeer seemed concerned about its two
teenaged babies, who seem well able to take care of themselves,
despite what the parent thinks. And why go after Leasts? All I could
figure was the the parent Killdeer wanted to keep the larder full for
its offspring. The Killdeer did try to scare off the Yellowlegs at
least twice, but I doubt the Yellowlegs even noticed. The Killdeer
finally gave it up as a lost cause.

Also on view this morning: a great Rufous Hummingbird sucking nectar
from vetch flowers south of Southwest Pond. I believe we had three
Rufous nests this year, something that hasn't happened at the Fill in
ages.

I saw another bird that I wish I'd seen better. It was blackbird-
sized, slightly larger than Red-winged, with a lot of white on its
wings. I would say a Yellow-headed Blackbird, except I also saw white
in the rump/tail region. I waited for it to come back, but the sun
finally drove me home. Much as I appreciate the brightness of color
the sun bestows on the Fill, I dislike summer intensely. It's probably
the heat, but maybe also something about the light. I know that sounds
contradictory, but I always feel - when the sun beats down on me -
like drawing my cloak about myself and slinking off to the safety of
my cellar. - Connie, Seattle

constancesidles at gmail.com
www.constancypress.com
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