Subject: [Tweeters] RE: Yellow-rumped Audubon's warbler at sugar water
Date: Jan 3 08:44:32 2014
From: Deborah West - olyclarinet at gmail.com


We have had Townsend's warblers at the hummingbird feeders during the winter for the past three years. Last year we had two orange-crowned warblers who also used the hummingbird feeders. Occasionally the chickadees--black-caps--use the feeders.

Seems like the birds learn by example. Last year, in addition to the Townsend's warblers at the suet--not the hummingbird feeders--a ruby-crowned kinglet came to the suet and the peanut butter on the pine cone. This year we have a Bewick's wren at both the suet and the pine cone. (Have had the wrens for years but this is the first time I have seen them at the feeders.)

And, speaking of ruby-crowned kinglets, I read you can see their crowns when they get agitated. I guess the one in our yard has been agitated all fall and winter because it is very obvious. In addition to displaying the crown, this year he has lifted the crowne--an amazing sight--at a rival ruby-crowned kinglet which is really his image in the vehicle side mirror. (Caught him doing this on two occasions.) I have tried to take an image of this but I think, to do so, I will have to hide in the car.