Hey folks, Didn’t want anyone to miss the GBHE action in photos posted in the last few days. I would say Gem County takes the bullfrog haul, more proof we have plenty of treasures (besides what’s on the Butte) under the mud.
And Denise’s, I think this may be a first in ten so to speak – that neck is so thick, maybe appetizers and a main dish that’s on its way? https://ebird.org/checklist/S82012397
I took a look at the Snake River just outside the town of Grand View, Owyhee County, today (edge of the Trueblood Wildlife Area). This island was crowded with gulls of at least two species, and the water downstream (and up) had various duck sp. and American Coots.
A conservation note: Even water birds, like coots, are not immune from becoming roadkill victims. On top of the bridge was this roadkill American Coot.
Alan Gregory
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Alan C Gregory Lt. Col., USAF, Ret. Mountain Home, ID Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association, life member Member, North American Butterfly Association
This stunning raptor made my day. Bird perched at about six feet above ground near the intersection of Smith Road and stateHwy. 51 just inside the city limit of Mountain Home, Elmore County. The eyes of this bird are telling a story; that was my first thought.
Alan Gregory
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Alan C Gregory Lt. Col., USAF, Ret. Mountain Home, ID Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association, life member Member, North American Butterfly Association
I’ve noticed my feeders have been unusually quiet this past week. I did see a Sharp-shinned Hawk on the tail of a House Finch last wkend, but the feeders have seen less use than just for a Sharpie.
Today, I discovered the culprit. There’s a Bald Eagle pr that has nested across the river from us for 8 yrs now. They’ll be nesting soon, already adjusting their 3 y/o nest (previous one blew down). I was watching the pr soar from back deck thru my binocs, when I scanned across a cottonwood & my first reaction was…Osprey (& thought that can’t be right!). I left the eagles & adjusted my glasses to the new bird.
A beautiful, adult N Goshawk with very fine gray barring on chest, so fine, the chest was almost pure white, except through the spotting scope. Also, sharp contrast between white & very dark gray on its head. According to Sibley, must be male, as female should have coarser gray markings on breast. In any case, allowed great looks for nearly an hr thru scope. And my feeders were silent, until it left. Always a treat to see!
There is a Lapland Longspur in a large flock of Horned Larks near railroad tracks east of Blacks Creek. In field without sagebrush, South side of road.
is a plastic life-sized GB heron that guards our little bird pond, has been well chewed by our daughter’s dog, was collecting snow today, 1st appeared as a tetradactyl, later morphed into a penguin 😉
we have a smallish back yard, but 40+ RW blackbirds were here for awhile, emptied all of our feeders except suet
