[EBB Sightings] hooded orioles' nest building

Dear Birders:

Chris Carmichael, associate director at the UC Botanical Garden in
Strawberry Canyon, who is also an avid birder reports that the pair of 
hooded orioles has begun nest building in the Sabal palm, a native of Mexico 
commonly known as a palmetto.  The tree is located in the cycad and Palm 
Garden along the lower road.

The warbling vireo nest found in the Mexican/Central American Area may have 
failed.  But the garden is full of bird activity -- robins, both towhees, 
bushtits, juncos, chestnut-backed chickadees, and lesser goldfinches are 
feeding young.

The lazuli buntings buntings are singing both at the top of the Southern 
Africa hill and out by the Oak Knoll in the California area.

Chris also reports recent fly-overs by northern rough-winged swallows and 
white-throated swifts.

Note: For anyone wanting to read more about the UC Botanical Garden and 
Strawberry Canyon should check out a longer piece listed on the Mt. Diablo 
Audubon Society home page (see "Bird Prose" listed on the right).

Phila Rogers