Folks

Yesterday morning Gwen and I heard a group of Blue Jays scolding louder than I have ever heard before.  I grabbed my binoculars and stepped into the front yard just in time to see a Cooper's Hawk carrying one of the local Blue Jays in its talons.  Since Cooper's Hawk will carry its prey away from where it has been captured, this is not a confirmed breeder but one wonders.  This is a first for me.  I will be listening today and keep the camera handy.

Other atlas observations yesterday included Bluebirds nesting in the front yard again- maybe the second brood of the 2005 season.  The three species of woodpecker young (Downy, Hairy, & Red-bellied ) continue to feed on the peanut butter tree.  Lots of Common Grackles and Mourning Dove young are feeding in the platform feeder by the dining room window.  

Good atlasing.

George