First I want to thank all the bird watchers, photographers, and
competitive bird listers who continue to refrain from unnecessary travel
during this pandemic. Regardless of your individual motivation or
limitations, the effect of helping reduce the spread of deadly disease is a
great thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Truly.

Birdwatching in our yard is quite rewarding, even when there aren't
remarkable highlights, but today provided highlights, letting me see
several gems.

Loads and loads of American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins fed on bird seed
and on sunflowers planted by sloppy summer birds. I watched eighty
goldfinches fly off, leaving sixty in the same tree, and more on feeders
and flower heads and on the ground. There were probably sixty or more Pine
Siskins here too, the most I've seen together down out of the mountains.
Two Lesser Goldfinches called then showed themselves -- an uncommon treat.

As I was watched a Red-tailed Hawk thermalling, I spotted a pair of
smaller buteos doing the same -- Broad-winged Hawks, another rare treat. It
was neat to see the stark difference in wing and tail shape.

I enjoy actually observing birds, and feel rewarded with anything that
lets me distinguish individual birds. Though a different kind of treat from
rarities, I don't recall the last time I found a bird with a lower (not
upper) bill that's overgrown. Today I spotted and photographed such an
American Goldfinch. With loads here, I couldn't look at them all, but I
sure looked carefully at many. One group seemed to be in a much earlier
stage of molt than most. Their spashes of bright yellow and white were
refreshing.

As sunset approaches, Anna's Hummingbirds get more and more active at our
feeders. Today I was able to distinguish an adult male, adult female, two
juvenile females, and three juvenile males. Though I've seen seven
individual Anna's Hummingbirds in a day at our home several times over the
last eight or so years, it's extraordinarily rewarding each time.

A Band-tailed Pigeon, a Black-throated Gray Warbler, and two Red
Crossbills and are among other recent treats here.

Please, again, accept my sincere gratitude for refraining from
unnecessary travel.

Halloween's a-comin'
Twitch or Treat!
Kevin Lucas
Bird watching & getting treats at home -- Yakima County, WA
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