Relaxing on back deck this evening & heard the Blue Jay! Thought, at first, I was trying to make a Magpie call into the jay. But, it was so typical for the jay. Then, it landed in a nearby cottonwood, letting me get a good look through the binocs. And then flew a semi-circle around the yard, disappearing back in the woods. It didn’t even glance at the feeder. Obviously, is feeding on natural sources now.

I don’t even know what to think anymore about this bird. Or even if it’s the same one? Have to think it is, but no sightings in nearly a week. If I can locate it on the 15th, that would make a full 7 months of its residency here.

I filled the hummer feeder & since filling, have had at least one each male & female Black-chinned Hummingbird visit it. A male Lazuli Bunting has been hitting the black-oil sunflower seeds most of the afternoon. And, a male Bullock’s Oriole arrived this evening, too. Time for the jelly cups. Two more to go: Yellow Warbler & Western Tanager.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot