Interesting, I’ve had a few Bullocks also, but mine all hit the hummer feeders, four up now, and leave the seeds to the BH Grosbeak mobs and others. Female Bullocks today.
Chipping Sparrow showed up today it’s another late arrival.
Today, a couple of definite Bullock’s Orioles have arrived, identified by sight & sound. Lazuli Buntings, male & female, hit the sunflower seeds every morning & evening. The Bullock’s Orioles, males & females, take over the seeds for most of the day. Along with American Goldfinches & House Finches. Spotted Towhees go after scattered seeds beneath the feeder. And, BC Chickadees sneak in as they can. Yellow Warblers work through the cottonwoods.
At least 6 BC Hummingbirds are coming into the nectar. Have counted 4 males & 2 females. One male makes regular display flights for one of the females 3-4 times/day. Long, looping “U”-shaped patterns with “winnowing” wing sounds.
Overhead: White Pelicans, DC Cormorants, Bald Eagles (from first-yr birds to adults), RT & Swainson’s Hawks & at least one Osprey are regulars. An occasional Sandhill Crane passes over, as well.
I spotted my first Rufous Hummingbird this morning up Military Reserve on Cottonwood Creek. Gorgeous view of a male resting on a bare branch of an old willow. 3 species there so far this spring: Rufous, Black-chinned, and Calliope, as well as the usual Yellow-breasted Chats, Lazuli Buntings, Willow, Western and Dusky Flycatchers and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Life is good.
