There is an ornamental tufty sort of grass at the edge of the path to my
house. Yesterday I watched a junco carrying material under that grass. I
walked out and stood next to it and the little hooded builder perched in the
Apple with a beakfull of grass wagging around as if impatient. I bent over
and lifted up the grass in front of the agitated bird. Look here I said,
This is DUMB place for a nest, you are going to be constantly flushing every
time somebody walks by, and when I mow the lawn your going to freak. Having
done my higher brain duty I walked back to the porch. To my surprise, the
junco started carrying grass somewhere to the side yard. Gosh, maybe they
are smarter than I thought. At least they listen to my advice, unlike my
kids.

Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer, Teacher
Snohomish