My saw my very first Harlequin Duck on May 28, 1977 on Teton Creek in Teton Valley. It was actually a little ways into Wyoming, but pretty close to Idaho!
Re: More On Harlequins
I can see lots of Harlequins, 15 – 20, about this time every year at LeHardy rapids and fewer at confluence near Yellowstone picnic area. Maybe recent breeding success has them expanding range west. These were a huge nemesis bird for me when we lived back east. I chased them at the coast many years. Now I see them every year on Spring Park trip and have even stopped photographing them in the rapids.
Bill Moore
Inkom
Re: More On Harlequins
I’ve lived in eastern Idaho since 1991 and yesterday is the first time I’ve seen Harlequin Ducks in east Idaho. I’ve seen them a few times in Montana on the Gallatin River but not over here. Today I was on the South Fork of the Snake River near Swan Valley and a male Harlequin Duck flew up the river right past my boat. Must be the right tome for migration…
Cliff
Re: Next 3+ Weeks
Thanks for the spring migrant reports. Today I hear Black-capped Chickadees in conifers along the driveway. A neighborhood Cooper’s Hawk is occasionally in the pines, always exciting to see and hear.
Saw a Black-chinned hummer Friday at a friend’s feeder in Eagle. I’ll put out my hummingbird feeders tomorrow.
Diann Stone
Boise Depot Bench
More On Harlequins
All,
The pair of Harlequins I saw today has apparently been seen by others recently so they may be findable if you’re interested. They were feeding among boulders on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River about 1.25 miles downstream from the Stone Bridge at Warm River. They were foraging within twenty feet of a boat and did not act concerned about the presence of the boat so they aren’t being chased around by the traffic on the river. Good luck if you try.
Cliff
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Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park, Idaho
cliffandlisa@…
Re: Next 3+ Weeks
I forgot mention BH Grosbeaks, aka drunken robins, also showed last week/Bill
Re: Next 3+ Weeks
Still waiting on Bullock’s Oriole & W Tanager. Seems our biggest Spring push has always been either weekend before or weekend of Memorial Day. Only one Yellow Warbler, so far, still waiting for warblers & vireos. Sadly, past few yrs, fewer Spring (&, for that matter, Fall) overall migrant numbers.
Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot
Harlequin Ducks on the Henry’s Fork near Warm River
If anyone wants to look for them, there is a pair of Harlequin Ducks on the Henry’s Fork today. They were seen in the section with a lot of boulders about 3/4 mile downstream from Warm River.
Lisa
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Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park, Idaho
cliffandlisa@…
Re: Next 3+ Weeks
We’ve had Lazulis since early in the week and house wrens are bubbling away. Calliope is at feeders, but not sure what other hummers. Bullock’s Oriole showed up yesterday and works the hummer feeder. Cowbirds appeared yesterday, which for us is near the end.
Canada Geese and Sandhills are I think nesting in pond, which is large courtesy of beavers. Sharpies and Red Tails are cruising around and Turkeys are courting and making early morning racket.
Bill Moore
Hoot Owl
Inkom
Re: Next 3+ Weeks
Addendum: Definite male Lazuli Bunting. Just came in again to the feeder & allowed for great observation. Also, hearing Sandhill Cranes overhead.
Brian