Likely both, if habitat is correct for WETA breeding. In extreme west
MT, where we've had a mild winter and all spring, including now,
weather generally below average sometimes by 10+ degrees for days on
end, WETA have been filing through slowly, starting 2-3 weeks ago
(where we live), building to last week between storms when there were
25+ in small block area around our house in town, many foraging on
dirt alley and now dispersed. There seemed to be more males than
females, and we still seem to have too many for what may be available
nesting habitat around here [based on how few we saw last year at
this time] - several males and a few females still come to drink and
forage near the feeders in our yard. It may be that El Nino has
retarded some species' passage, but I suspect there is already
nesting. A half dozen passerine species have already produced young,
so not far behind should be the bee eaters, once the number of bees
increases sufficiently... - Jim Greaves, Thompson Falls MT

>Hi Tweeters-
>
>I'm hoping some of you can help me.
>
>My familiarity with WETA is VERY limited. I see a few as they pass
>through the neighborhood in spring and again as they leave in the
>fall. Maybe its because of their brighter color but I also see more
>males than females.
>
>I haven't seen or heard any since May 23rd and I thought I wouldn't
>see them again until fall.
>
>BUT Saturday I saw a female, could it be that Western Tanagers are
>nesting in Kenmore , or are they still migrating through?
>
>Linda Phillips