I doubt that many go back south, but there is very circumstantial evidence a
couple of times of a Tropical Kingbird successfully wintering on the coast.
[Do they overwinter in California?]
A bird that did overwinter might well head back south
Wayne
On 8/24/2017 4:04:27 PM, Jeff Gilligan <jeffgilligan10@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
My guess is that none get back south. Jeff
On Aug 24, 2017, at 3:42 PM, Lars Per Norgren wrote:
The wet cold spring could certainlly be to blame. Many stone fruit crops
didn't polinate in western Oregon this spring. I think Tropical Kingbirds
often focus on yellow-jackets, which continue to fly in October and November,
but are quite lethargic and vulnerable. I think they park next to a nest and
eat wasps tiol none are left. One birder I know is of the opinion that none
of the
Tropical Kingbirds that visit us in the fall ever returns to the tropics.
What do
others think? lpn
On Aug 24, 2017, at 3:29 PM, Jeff Gilligan wrote:
I have noticed on the nearby Long Beach Peninsula that there is a great
shortage of native fruits this year, particularly the two species of
huckleberries. Being a baccaphile myself, I have paid attention for many
years.
For the past few days my Portland neighborhood has had Cedar Waxwings, which
is not normal this early. I suspect that they and other berry-eaters will
have to make adjustments.
Also different is the number of yellow jackets. Normally I find several
colonies on my Portland dog walks this time of year. So far I have seen
none, not even individuals in my neighborhood. Similarly, a cousin’s reunion
held annually on a property on the Sandy River wasn’t disturbed by this
year. In the past we have had to put out distraction salmon heads away from
the BBQ, and service and eating tables. This year no yellow jackets were
seen.
Some may recall that the Cassin’s Kingbird from years ago in Clackamas
County was mainly eating yellow jackets. I have also seen Olive-sided
Flycatchers eating them, especially when a rainy cool event occurs and they
feed nearer the ground. Normally I have a pair in or near my yard on Willapa
Bay. This year there have been none, and none seen in the neighborhoods in
Ocean Park where i sometimes walk my dog.
Perhaps these situations are the result of the cold wet winter we had.
Jeff Gilligan
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