Date:         Mon, 5 May 2003 04:44:53 -0400
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Fran Saunders <fcsaunders@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: A Worcester Saturday -- More Notes
In-Reply-To:  <LISTSERV%2003050405195790@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
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Notably absent have been the Hummers we had last summer.  The
feeders were up well before April 15 and we have diligently
watched for any indication of feeding, but none found and no
hummers seen to date.

I've been taking a real interest in the Starling/Flicker
competition Norm mentioned.  Amazing to watch the flickers poke
their heads into the nest hole and hang there for minutes at a
minutes at a time.  Possibly to intimate the current occupants?
Sometimes he goes to the side, and just waits, perhaps hoping the
Starling would exit the nest hole so he could take over once
again.  The female does the same from time to time, but neither
are quick enough to move in when the Starling exits the hole.
Another Starling almost always gets there first.  Very
frustrating, even though the pair are very persevering.  This
pair spent 3 weeks molding this nest hold to their satisfaction
while the Starlings just waited for them complete all the work.
I don't remember the Starlings even attempting to enter the nest
hole until it was obviously ready for nesting.  We see many
groups of flickers around the area during the Xmas Count, so I
guess they are doing well.  It's a good thing they are not all as
unsuccessful as this pair (and not for the lack of trying).

Fran Saunders
MOS State Web Site Director
http://www.MDBirds.org
Silver Spring, MD

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