Mountain Chickadee

This afternoon, had a Mountain Chickadee show at platform feeder. Have mentioned before, but unusual for our elevation along the Snake River. Another 2000′ higher & they’re the predominant chickadee, but along the river, our resident is the Black-capped. Also, time of year is off. When we have seen Mountains in past, usually during a bitter cold or heavy snow winter. 

Tried to get a photo at feeder of both chickadee types at once. But, they’re all fast little suckers, lol! Best photo I got of the Mountain is still “not good”, but can see its white eyestripe. 

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Fall Birds & (Trout)

This AM there was a “sparrow push” through the place. White-crowned, 2 White-throated, adult Chipping & a few Lincoln’s Sparrows along with large numbers of DE Juncos pushing through. Handful of YR Warblers & RC Kinglets working through Russian Olive trees, as well. A few American Robins going after juniper berries, too. 

A bit later on, after birding, along the Snake River, had just made a few casts of a nymph pattern, when heard the distinctive sound &, then, saw the black & white upper wing pattern of a Willet fly within feet of me at eye level. Got distracted  by the Willet, while still retrieving my fly after its swing through a riffle and…missed a hit by a nice rainbow! Pulled the fly right from its mouth, as was still reeling the fly in, while watching the bird! That’s happened before, getting distracted by some other wildlife…mink, otter, moose, eagle…& missing a fish. But, on such a beautiful Fall morning on the Snake, even missing a trout isn’t so bad! 

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot