On my way back from a chilly ride, I was pleasantly surprised by a Say’s
Phoebe at Esther Simplot Park. It was quite active, which is what attracted
my attention. Even though the weather was cold and gray, and seemingly
inhospitable to insects, the bird was exhibiting “fly-catching” behavior as
it worked its way around the main pond. I have seen Say’s Phoebes in this
vicinity from early spring to late fall, but this is the earliest I can
remember seeing one, although they’ve nested near the back pond for several
years. I guess I wouldn’t have been as surprised if the weather had been
balmy like last week. Another first of year bird!

Tom McCabe, Boise

The other day I said I was at the world bird center tx. I learned there is
more than one I in Texas I’m at bentsen rio grande st.park

Well, my hopes for a good winter finch irruption season are fading. I’m feeding numerous American Goldfinches, Juncos, BC Chickadees & House Finches.

I was getting an increasing number of Eurasian Collared Doves but between a juvenile N Goshawk & an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk, their numbers have dropped from 15+ to 2 or 3. For several weeks, I was finding a feather pile & an occasional partial dove carcass every 2-3 days in the yard. Guess the Eurasian Collared Dove didn’t evolve to evade the American Accipiters. They certainly make for easy prey…a lumbering, flapping take-off being hit by a missile with wings.

The only “irruption” bird I have is a single Red-breasted Nuthatch & as time goes on, it’s appearing that this species may be a year-round resident at our Snake River altitude. I find them year-round at the cabin but as various conifers mature in our area, along with available cavities in cottonwoods & aspen, maybe I’ll get nesting at some point.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot