LESSER GOLDFINCH

Anna's Hummingbirds battling for food

Seen today in my yard, one Anna's Hummingbird would start to feed and then a second would mount it. Several times while mounted the one on top would peck at the head of the other. In the middle photo, the one on top has feathers in its mouth (left-clicking enlarges it). We have seen them do this about 5 separate times within the last hour. We at first thought they were copulating, but as it appears that these are 2 females, instead it looks like they are being more aggressive than usual about their food source. Normally one can easily scare off another feeding, but with this severe weather, I suppose the one on the bottom is willing to suffer being pecked out in order to get some food.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Found originally by Patty Newland, I saw the bird at NE 43rd and Brazee associating with American Robins.

VARIED THRUSH, in yard

SLEEPING BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE

This morning a Black-capped Chickadee took a nap on our feeder for nearly an hour. It was a chilly day and was all fluffed up, at times looking almost spherical. It periodically would be shivering. Though I frequently see ducks sleeping with their head turned backwards and their bill hidden in their feathers, it was a first for my family and I to see a Chickadee do this. It periodically would bring its bill out, eat a little, and then go back to sleep. Once a Dark-eyed Junco landed on the other end of the feeder; the Chickadee quickly scolded the Junco away.