For the last 3 weeks I have been averaging 40 species every day on my rides, thanks to new arrivals. Two of those days were only 39, but a bunch, including today, were over 40. A few days ago, VG Swallows and NRW Swallows decided to stick
around, and a pair of Cinnamon Teal have been hanging out at the pond at Lander St. (the area where the Williamson’s Sapsucker made a brief appearance). So, little by little, the variety of species has been making it easier for me to reach 40. Of course, biking
on a day like today, when the rain is falling –literally—in sheets, makes birding interesting, but it also clears out the greenbelt. 😉 Of course, the snow yesterday also cleared out the greenbelt—on a Sunday, no less.

Today, though, was special because I arrived at Esther Simplot Park to find my first Swainson’s Hawk of the year. It was sitting in a small tree near the back pond, just before the downhill to Veterans Park Pond. Strangely enough, there
was also a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk in another tree about 10 yards away. They had moved by the time I got back, but then I found the Swainson’s sitting on the arm of a light pole at the entrance to ESP. I’m hoping the Swainson’s will nest in my neighborhood
again.

My final treat was when I walked into my back yard. I’m still hosting approximately 50 Pine Siskins every day, and at least 10 A. Goldfinches, but the noise from all those birds is amazing, and it caused me to pause and peek around the
corner of the house. There, along with all the Pine Siskins and Goldfinches, were 2 male Cassin’s Finches. Their red caps were blazing! Another bird, that I took to be a female CAFI, touched beaks with one of the males. She looked like an oversized Siskin,
and I wouldn’t have thought of CAFI if the males weren’t there.

Final tally was 43 species in 12 ½ miles.

Tom McCabe, Boise