[EBB Sightings] Surprise and sadness

Hi, all.
   I was quite surprised to see a female black-headed
grossbeak at my backyard feeder Saturday. I've never
seen one out in the flats before.
   I have been eagerly watching an Anna's hummingbird
nest just above the sidewalk next to the Rockrige
Library in Oakland, where I work. The nest itself is
an amazing work of art and the female was sitting on
it for a number of days--with occasional sorties away.
(She got a bit worried when someone stood too long on
the sidewalk below and would sometimes take off and
hover nearby.) 
   I was saddened, then, when I failed to see the
prospective mother all last week. Through my binocs
and later on closer inspection, I could see some loose
feathers sticking out at weird angles and the nest
looing a bit roughed up. I don't know what the mother
and I'm afraid to try to get up and look inside--not
wanting to find the remains of chicks.
   Even a male Anna's (her mate?), who usually zips
around chasing off all "threats" to his territory,
seemed subdued, spending a lot of time atop a tree
around the back of the library. Do hummingbirds mourn?
Happy birding,
Alan Howe
North Oakland


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