I woke up to see 5 transitioning-plumage male Lazuli Buntings at my feeder this morning – first day of arrival! 

Made me very happy.  The Lazuli Bunting was my ‘spark’ bird 45 years ago (May 1975).

Black-headed Grosbeaks shouldn’t be far behind…

Enjoy this beautiful day…Jonathan, Horseshoe Bend

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Since yesterday on the greenbelt was so crowded (social distancing notwithstanding), I was happy to jump out while it was still raining today because that always reduces greenbelt traffic. I was not disappointed.

My first FOY of the day was a Spotted Sandpiper at the main pond at Esther Simplot. I’m hoping he hangs around for a while.

Next was a Yellow Warbler singing from the trees by the river. Never saw him, but he brought me joy.

Then at the lower end of Veterans Pond there was a pair of Blue-winged Teal. This is not common for “my” stretch of the greenbelt at any time of the year.

At Les Bois track I was pleased to find multiple Western Kingbirds. They have nested around the south end of the track in prior years, so this is a good sign. Also at that end was a pair of Bank Swallows, but the overflow pond that used to attract them is now grassy, so I doubt they will linger.

But the real treat was a flock of 10 American Avocets that flew in tight formation  into Quinn’s Pond while Susan was watching. I came along a few minutes later, and they were out in the middle swimming. I had a vague recollection that they, like Phalaropes, swim, but I wasn’t sure. So both Larry Arnold and Jay Carlisle, my go-to experts on such things, confirmed that AMAV’s are swimmers. And while I was watching the Avocets, I realized that a Western Grebe, another FOY, had joined the mixed flock of Buffleheads, Cinnamon Teal and Ruddy Ducks that were on the pond in the morning.

Everywhere I went today, not only did I find the first of year birds listed above, but I also found lots of ducks, swallows and other birds that helped me to tally 51 species in 13 miles. A great day!

Tom McCabe, Boise

Liz & all — In a couple of weeks (early May) an early morning stroll along Porter Creek Rd (both near the entrance off Hwy 55, and then also on the dead end portion about 2.5 miles further in) normally provides some enjoyable sightings. 
Other than that, I don’t know, except possibly in the Mill Pond area (to the east of the north bridge across the river).

By the way, I see that Marbled Godwits are dependably showing up the past few days.  Every year though, when I head to Blacks Creek to see them, I miss them.  Weekdays are tough because of work, but if someone comes across Marbled Godwits
tomorrow (Fri) or Saturday, could you please call my cell phone right then, so I can head in asap and have a better chance?  If you get my vm, please leave a msg.  Thank you!  Jonathan Barnett 208-869-5164

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