ML645414110

Media notes

fairly consistent/predictable pause intervals (8-10 sec.) between note series when in repeat mode, note shapes generally consistent too unlike some other species' subsongs

Observation details

continuing - enjoyed watching his world in between bouts of down time when he'd reposition out of view, he periodically visited all 3 of the 3 new feeders (red tube on porch railing, single blossom handheld on porch railing, and short hanger east of porch) and then usually returned to maple tree in front yard where he sang just a tad, also perched on small tree next to original feeder in corner one time, and sang a couple times from elm tree across the street (bonus encounter when he buzzed both of our heads within inches to check us out!) interesting to follow his ongoing feud with the HOSP family: 1) HOSP seen landing right by COHU making him move a couple feet away 2) COHU seen getting in perched HOSP's face by hovering 2 inches away while singing 3) HOSP family then seen perching in portion of maple tree the COHU likes to perch in 4) COHU seen singing while hovering right up next to perched adult male HOSP with no light between them which made HOSP relocate to different branch a few inches away and a moment later leave the tree entirely generous homeowner Jennifer Munson is doing everything she can for the COHU and a great way for birders to show their appreciation would be by donating to her non-profit that locally spays and neuters many cats to reduce their overpopulation and in doing so saves the lives of many birds UPDATE: The outcome of "Bob Costa's" (dubbed by homeowners) has been publicized and it's the storybook ending that we were all hoping for - he's back home! The situation had become dire for Bob on the 17th when all the feeders were frozen shut and the homeowner wasn't home to help. Fortunately a friend checked on him and he was rescued that day and soon after hitched a ride with a wayward Big Free-tailed Bat (Neb.'s 1st record) that was being taxied to Arizona after having been found in Neb. about the same time (rehabbers suspect perhaps not coincidentally after strong west to east fronts). Bob spent several days with a hummingbird rescue group in AZ that deemed him to be "robust with good fat reserves around his breastbone" and opened the door to his aviary on the 26th, it took less than a minute for him to zip to freedom while uttering a jubilant buzz then immediately vanishing into Tucson's surrounding desert landscape with all the other Costa's. The rehabber said he looked like he had a destination in mind (hopefully NOT Nebraska!)

Additional species

• House Sparrow Passer domesticus
• Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata