Hi Tweeters,

Ellen and I spent a happy hour at the home of Delia Shoales and Ed Newbold waiting for the Tennessee Warbler on 29 January. The bird, dubbed "El Chico" appeared at their garden creek and pool after about an hour. While awaiting the warbler, I marveled at the wonderful bit of habitat Delia and Ed have created in their yard, a perfect example of "gardening for birds." They have provided various species of trees, shrubs, and a ground layer of vegetation, and, importantly, a water feature, a tiny rivulet pouring over a mini ledge they have named "Butyl Creek." Seed, suet, and nectar feeders plus the habitat attracted a steady flow of birds not only for food but also for bathing.

We congratulate Delia and Ed for their garden habitat, a haven for birds they prove requires only a few hundred square feet of space in a yard.

Andy and Ellen Stepniewski
Yakima WA
Steppie at nwinfo.net