We have 5ish Steller’s Jays hanging out this winter in Idaho Falls. Had a group a couple years back and they came back this year. They REALLY like it when I put small peanuts in a tube feeder and they like our black oil sunflowers as well. Wonderful bird to have visiting.
Another (or maybe same one seen in Nov???) Steller’s Jay this AM in backyard. Haven’t seen it come into the sunflower seed feeder. Both observations have been around Rocky Mtn Junipers & Colo Blue Spruce trees. Definitely, a rarity for our elevation along the Snake.
Just a heads up, fellow birders. I’ve been following reports from Canada & appears WW & Red Crossbills, as well as, Common Redpolls are on the move. Have noticed excellent cone crops in area conifers this year. Haven’t seen any winter finches myself this season, but definitely keeping my eyes peeled.
Two bird species were new to the count this year, Western Bluebird and Chestnut-backed Chickadee.
We had 52 participants out in the field and watching feeders. A Blue Jay has been visiting one feeder for several weeks and a feeder watcher in Nampa has had an Anna’s Hummingbird that has showed up for several weeks except for count day. So it’s a count week bird. A single Greater Yellowlegs was found on Pond Road.
I haven’t had a chance to start looking at the checklists but tentative counts for Snow Geese (30,000+), Canada Geese (10,000+), and (23,000+) Starlings. American Kestrel numbers seem to be high with more than 250 individuals.
Cheryl and I want to thank everyone for supporting our Christmas count, whether you were in the field or helping to feed the participants.
There’s a Eurasian Wigeon at Kleiner’s Park in the smaller pond. A lone male was seen with a group of American Wigeons at 3:30 & is still here. I have photos of the bird & can send them to the group when I’m at home later tonight if anyone would be interested.
Another out of area bird, but a much more interesting one has just shown up in Baker county Oregon. A Tundra Bean Goose was found by Aaron Beerman and company today approximately here: 44.8375823,-117.8182411 across I-84 from the Baker City airport.
Just figured I’d let people here know in case anyone was interested!
