[EBB Sightings] wings over Oakland

This morning, I was intrigued by a big flock (over a
dozen) of bushtits feeding in the big, buggy brodiaea
bush right outside of my dining room window; they were
also bathing in the freshly watered grass. Although I
am used to seeing them in number, I was surprised to
see them in groups during the breeding season. Perhaps
it was just a couple of post-fledged families that
hooked up for safety in numbers? Hard to tell. The
juveniles are essentially identical to the adults,
except the juvenile females have dark rather than
yellow eyes (males always have dark eyes). Their flock
included a lone chickadee.

Two days ago at Huckleberry Preserve I observed
chestnut-backed chickadees feeding fledges, and heard
two Swainson's thrushes simu-singing. A Wilson's
warbler was also singing, but no longer had a bright
orange forehead; guess that we have passed the height
of their breeding display.

A cozy raven foursome over the Huck parking lot may
well be the local pair and offspring observed there a
couple of weeks ago. If so, the youngsters have
drastically improved their flying skills; you go,
kids!

As I meandered along the trail, my thoughts turned to
my friend Howard Cogswell (I didn't yet know of his
demise). He was an accomplished ear birder (unlike
myself) and I always wished for his presence along
this trail when I was perplexed by a song. Now I will
never have that opportunity. But when you reach your
ninth decade of life, your body can become more of a
burden than a pleasure. I feel priviledged to have
called him my friend, and rejoice that his spirit can
now fly free with the birds that he so loved. 

Debbie Viess