THis morning, 30+ crows were creating quite the ca-CAW-phony along the back edge of Kubota Gardens, which abuts my backyard.? While peering through the bigleaf maples in search of the expected Red-tailed Hawk or Barred Owl, I heard a deep voice say "Bra-a-a-ack!"? Sure enough, from the center of the mob, out flew a Common Raven with some toothsome treat in his ridiculously outsized bill.? This is only the second time I've seen this bird around the yard.
Weather must be pretty miserable up in the hills!
Also of note were a (hopefully) wintering Western Meadowlark and a Swainson's Thrush--10 days later than my latest fall record for the yard!
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Jeff Bryant
Seattle
jbryant_68 AT yahoo