Again, thanks to everyone who responded to my query about new binocs. I
went with the Nikon 7x42 Monarchs. Ordered them late yesterday and have
my fingers crossed that they'll arrive before I head to western Idaho
for my yearly holiday: old friends from all over, music and birding.

I didn't even need binocs the other morning when a whole family of
Black-capped Chickadees - parents and 4 kids - tumbled across the back
porch. The kids looked as if they'd recently fledged - a bit unsteady
on their wings yet, with much clumsy fluttering and cheeping and
bumping into things. One landed just inside the kitchen door, sat for
the briefest of moments and careened off the door jamb on its hurried
way back out. They all made their drunken way off the porch toward the
front yard and spent the rest of the morning practicing in the big Doug
fir.

Today at the Lakewood Marina there were Cedar Waxwings, a late pair of
Buffleheads sleeping in the water lilies, and more Cliff Swallows than
I've ever seen there before.

Catherine Alexander
Lakewood Neighborhood
South Seattle