Hello All,


Finally re-signed up to the Tweeters list after changing email years ago because I've had such an interesting spring here in Puyallup so far this year. I felt it was time to sign up again so I could report what's been going on here in my yard and to see if others have had a similar year so far.


I live on South Hill in Puyallup and I've always enjoyed the spring migration that I have through my yard each year. This year though has been like no other. Each year since I started having Evening Grossbeaks fly through I've kept track of when they arrive and every year they've stayed between 2 to 4 days and then moved on. Since 2004 the earliest they have ever arrived was May 6 in 2006 with most years being the middle of May around the 17th. THIS year my Evening Grossbeaks showed up on April 8th! What's been even more interesting is that they have been here in my yard Every Day in groups ranging between 4 and about 30. As I mentioned earlier, they have always just stopped over for 2, 3, or 4 days and then I don't see them again. I've been shocked at how they came a month early and have stayed around. I'd love to know if they are just in a larger flock this year or if there has been some type of food shortage causing them to come out of the hills or from wherever they normally hang out during the winter months.


I also had my first brand new yard bird in 4 years arrive on April 29th. A group of Red Crossbills! They have been hanging out on and off for the last two weeks in groups of 3 to 7 at my thistle feeders. I can't help but think that they are somehow tied into this unusual flock of Grossbeaks.


Other than that, it's been the usual movement into the area of Rufous Hummingbirds, Goldfinches, Tree Swallows, and Band Tailed Pigeons.


Thanks in advance for any feedback.


David Bower
Puyallup, WA
bowerdc at comcast.net