Launch When Ready

This member of Team Junco was awaiting the signal to begin the AOG Speed Seed Pecking competition at Pacific Northwest Stadium this morning. The competitor before him pecked an astonishing 24 seeds in 8 seconds, so this little guy has his work cut out for him. These birds are extremely popular competitors, especially in the Fast Flitting events.

Events in the Little Bird Division draw a big but quiet crowd because these guys are easily spooked by noise and once that happens they are unable to regain their composure and usually leave the stadium. The ovations are held until the end of the competition when the certificates are awarded. Certificates replaced medals very early on in the competition when the first gold medal winner was yanked off the podium by the weight of the medal. Each gold, silver and bronze “medal” winner takes home an equally prestigious and beautiful certificate which is much easier to handle.