Hi --

It is time that the resident birds start nesting and we have a good
selection so far this year -- Tufted Tit is back (after an absence of two
years when populations crashed due to West Nile (?), also the usual
Cardinal, Am. Robin, Carolina Wren (still trying to find the nest), House
Finch and a pair of Flickers. The latter were interesting to watch; when
they were investigating their nest hole, *three* birds were present, all
"whickering" and popping in and out of the hole with great excitement. No
apparent conflict going on so not sure why three -- do Flickers have
"helpers" like some other woodpeckers (young of previous year)? -- if not,
maybe a strange flickery menage a trois. I haven't seen three birds together
since. A pair of Fish Crows -- which nest most years somewhere in the pines
around our house -- are skulking and "waa-HAing" from the trees but I also
have not found a nest. No migrants yet -- the singing House Wren from two
weeks back did not stay on and we are awaiting our resident pairs' arrival.

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD