Rufous Hummingbird

March 22, 2010

After having my head buzzed with the "engine like" noise of a hummer's wings the day before yesterday (21 March 2010) , I have finally seen the first hummingbird of the year: Rufous. He flew out of the trees and paused at the fronds of an Ocean Spray and Evergreen tree, then flew back into the treeline. Many of the Junco's (12-15) that are usually at my feeders are now absent and for a day were replaced by Stellar's Jay and about seven Crow. Driving, I noticed an adult Bald Eagle circling near the JBLM-McChord Roy gate. It appears that many predators(Hawks and Eagles) have been enjoying the warmer weather, lately. Towards Puyallup and 1/2 way to the South Hill mall exit this weekend I spotted a Hawk, too, circling to the right of the freeway. There were many Robins (6 or 7) ground feeding with Towhee's and a Rock Pigeon yesterday afternoon.