[obol] Backyard Birds

[sandyleapt at comcast.net]

    Nothing to unusual this week unless you count a xxx chasing a Blue Heron off 
the neighbor's roof this morning.  That was a weird sight.  Wish I'd had my 
camera in hand.
    Saturday afternoon there was a female Northern Flicker sitting in the tree 
outside the computer room gaping.  She looked overheated.  At least my birdbaths 
were clean and full.
    I have Black-capped Chickadees (2 pairs), a couple Bushtits, two 
Song-Sparrows, a singing Bewick's Wren, House Sparrows (6 to 8), House Finches, 
the occasional American Goldfinch, American Robins (two), Western Scrub Jays 
(2),  European Starlings (6 to 8), a pair of Northern Flickers,  6 Anna's 
Hummingbirds (I think), and 4 or five Rufous Hummingbirds, Violet-green Swallows 
and either Tree Swallows or Vaux's Swifts--I haven't taken the time to sort that 
out yet.  Also two Red-tailed Hawks (something happened to one of the birds that 
breeds in the neighborhood last year, I'm happy to see two again this year) and some American 
Crows.
    After typing this I am surprised at how many birds pass through my garden on 
a daily basis.  How dull the garden would be without the birds.


    Sandy Leaptrott
    NE Portland