I've been hearing, and seeing Black-headed Grosbeaks all summer this year. They showed up later than usual, and it seems a little late for fledglings, but with this weather I'm just glad that this pair at least had some success.

Yesterday morning, Sunday, I saw a male Black-headed Grosbeak [BHGR] feeding a juvie BHGR, wings a fluttering, etc.
Later in the afternoon, I was priveleged to see the male BHGR again feeding the begging juvie, with the adult female BHGR watching from inches away. Oh, for a camera within reaching distance. I decided my viewing and memories were more important than taking a chance of retreiving the camera, and missing the whole spectacle. They were scared off by the arrival of Band-tailed Pigeons, which I normally appreciate.

I also have had an adult Pileated Woopecker regularly taking advantage of my suet feeders. And I have seen a juvie Pileated on nearby telephone poles. I watched the juvie eating serviceberry berries--I'd never seen a Pileated on a serviceberry tree before.

I also have some late Spotted Towhee juvies, and some new juvie Song Sparrows.

Oh, and for the first summer that I can remember, I have had at least two or more Pine Siskins everyday since we banded one in back in January.

May all your birds be robust!

Christine Southwick
N Seattle/ Shoreline
clsouthwick at pugetsoundbirds.org
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