[obol] Bushtits & Anna's Hummingbird (Rufous Hummingbirds too)

[sandyleapt at comcast.net]

 In my neighborhood Bushtits and Anna's Hummingbirds have successfully fledged young birds this year.  Has anyone else noticed what appears to be mischievous behavior by the  young Bushtits?  They seem to come through my garden just to tease one immature male Anna's that has staked out a patch of Crocosmia 'Lucifer' to call his own.    I really enjoy the antics.  First one Bushtit will get the Anna's attention, then as soon as he starts to chase another Bushtit will intervene...very similar to a pick and roll play in Basketball.  After a minute or two of this the Anna's leaves and so do the Bushtits.   Usually in opposite directions.  Which brings to mind when I think about it, when I find a mixed flock in the winter there is often one adult male Anna's Hummingbird with them.  Wonder what that is all about?.

I have an adult female Anna's Hummingbird that has what appears to be a fledgling following her through the garden.  I am wondering if she has started another nest.  She seems to be picking spider silk.  The air is just full of the threads of "ballooning" spiders right now.  Maybe she's just eating the little spiders.

I have two Rufous Hummingbirds that have been in the garden all season, an adult female and what I think is an immature male.  I am waiting anxiously to see if the female fledged any young this year.

Sandy Leaptrott
NE Portland