I have seen a similar down up tail wag, although erratic and unreliable, with willow flycatchers here in Gem County and Valley County. I had to study my photos at home and get a good look at the color to make the distinction as they were not vocalizing. Great topic.
Pond same as yesterday big foot rd.can be seen from rd.5 Bairds 2west sands they are getting it prepared for planting next year don’t know when it will be covered over also tons of juvie starling interest ing colors worth seeing brewers blk.bird -cowbirds lots raven cross the road big flock 15 killdeer
This a.m 8 :30 checked all ponds south of dry lake only ducks decided to check what I referred to as the muck field bingo they have done some work which created a sizable pond their was western peeps yellow legs solitary & pectoral sands this is on big foot w.of rim road past pond on right just past gravel pile
High today of 69° with one brief rain earlier, enough to send me back inside with my AM coffee, & sustained showers forecast to start at 2PM. So, between storms, took a walk down to the river to check what might be pushing through. Wasn’t disappointed!
Started with a juv Calliope hitting nectar feeder. On walk, came into a large group of juvenile Chipping Sparrows. In fact, most birds I observed were juveniles: small group of Lazuli Buntings, a few BH Grosbeaks, 5-6 Spotted Towhees with a couple of adults nearby & both House Finches & American Goldfinches. One of the best birds was an adult Green-tailed Towhee.
But, when reached the river, even beat the GT Towhee, by watching a group of Common Terns plunge-diving in the shallows for red-sided shiners! Fun to watch! Had noticed the shiners were in their breeding colors (beautifully striking little fish!), while fly-fishing recently. Observed closely to separate from Forester’s & all the field marks came up Commons. Then, an adult Caspian Tern came in & started after the shiners, breaking up the Commons’ party. Others: adult Bald Eagle, Gray Catbird calling from deep brush & multiple groups of Canada Geese overhead. The cottonwoods & sumac are just starting to get tinges of fall color.
I’m beginning to wonder if it was just a really beat up NRWS, and that is why it looked like it had a pretty notched tail. As to why it looked bigger than the surrounding swallows and why I could pick it out of the crowd as it was flying, I’m not sure. It’s behavior was a bit different and slightly more erratic than the other swallows. I don’t think I ever heard it vocalize either 🙁
