Tweets,

Just a few notes from upper Scatter Creek as spring unfolds.

Watched from my driveway two days ago as an interloper adult Red-tailed Hawk was harassed by the resident pair. The resident male (the smaller of the pair) dove repeatedly on the interloper, which appeared the size of the resident female. Then, with both in flight, the resident female dropped on the interloper with her talons open, and the interloper turned upside down with its talons open. The two locked talons and twirled down from about 150' up to 25' above the ground, then let go. The male once again dove on the unwelcome hawk.

Yesterday, two singing Ruby-crowned Kinglets faced off, with fully erect red crests, and chased each other through the shrubbery. They weren't just flashing red, but holding their crests up like Mohawk haircuts.

And last night about 8 p.m., a Northern Saw-whet Owl was hooting across from our driveway. Another sign of the change of seasons, along with the first Rufous Hummingbirds, Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows, and Turkey Vultures.

Good birding, Bob

Bob Sundstrom
Tenino, Washington
ixoreus at scattercreek.com