A cautionary tale

The other day, I finished my ride without having encountered any Wild Turkeys. So, when I heard there was a flock on Harrison Boulevard, I walked over. I hung around for a while, but then the Tom started working his way over to me. I started backing away, but
apparently not fast enough. The bird got closer and closer, and let out some classic turkey calls. The rest of the flock started moving from the front yard, where they had been hanging out for some time, while the Tom kept moving towards me. 
As I backed up, someone behind me spoke, and I started to turn when the Tom jumped up and attacked me with his clawed feet. I got my hands up quickly enough that he didn’t get my face, but he punctured both of my hands. I kept backing away, while waving my
gloves at him, but he didn’t give up on his shepherding me until I backed down the alley, going south, while the flock was moving north. In hindsight the injuries were minor, but the experience was quite scary. I guess I thought he would only strut and not
attack.
I’ve attached a photo I took shortly before he went into attack mode.
Tom McCabe, Boise

Hoot Owl Arrivals

Recent birds showing up:

Couple Bald Eagles working the hills off and on, see them every few days,

Juncos returned, don’t see them often in winter,

Flickers,

Rosyfinches returned today, several.

Redwings, Grosbeaks, magpies, goldfinches, Hairy Woodpecker, siskens, chickadees, and fellow travelers gobs of Turkeys.

Bill Moore
Hoot Owl
Inkom

Red-breasted Merganser


I’m not sure how common this bird is for everybody else in the Boise area, but I only rarely see them. So, I was quite pleased and surprised when I found a pair at the back pond at Esther Simplot Park. This
is the pond that parallels the Veterans Park Pond and is divided from VPP by a ditch and a pair of embankments. I first noticed the birds yesterday when looking at a bunch of Common Mergansers and a few Hooded. I can’t remember ever seeing all 3 species hanging
out in the same location, so an even bigger treat.

Anyway, if they’re on your must-see list, you now know where to find them.

Tom McCabe, Boise