I knew it was going to be at least a “good” day when I spotted the Cooper’s Hawk sitting on a power pole a half block north of my house as I left on my bike ride. Things got even better when the Say’s Phoebe flew over my head at Esther
Simplot. I only had 17 species by that time, but it was early in the ride. Then I saw my first Gadwall in weeks at Silver Lake, followed by a pair of RT Hawks circling above the old racetrack. That put me at 34, but the kicker was when Susan spotted a bird
lurking in the bushes and binos confirmed my 2d Townsend’s Solitaire of the year (in 1 week).That was 37, and then I picked up a RC Kinglet and RB Gull. But I was 2 blocks from home with only 39 species when I heard a WB Nuthatch. Not trusting my sound ID,
I hung around until it showed itself, and I happily rode the 2 blocks home with 40 species. (I know, I have a round number fetish!)

Ain’t Spring great?

Tom McCabe, Boise