[EBB Sightings] Garin --- and a pic

Garin is hopping as usual these days.  The thistles are now dry and Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches are eagerly harvesting them.  Here's a pic of a House Finch about to eat a seed, having just discarded its tuft.

http://www.pbase.com/vnelson/image/114304393

Another great view of behavior is the feeding frenzy surrounding the ripe fruits of the Elderberry  tree on the hillside to the left of the Eucalyptus grove.  Western Bluebirds, Finches, a Spotted Towhee, Bullock's Orioles were all coming in for the treats.  I saw a Bluebird bringing a berry to one of its young.  For some reason (drunkeness? or territory infringement?) there are many mid-air acrobat scuffles rising from the tree.  Amazing how birds can maneuver in such a tussle.

In other areas, spotted an American Kestrel, Western Kingbirds, Turkeys with young, and an Ash-throated Flycatcher preening.  The House Wrens are still bringing food to their nest cavity in the California Sycamore at the far north picnic area.  Seems like a very long time to raise a brood...wonder if it's a second?

Oddly, no sight nor sound of the Lazuli Buntings of a few weeks ago.