An old friend returned this AM, WB Nuthatch. Over the past 3-4 yrs, RB Nuthatches have become year-round residents. But, the WB remains an infrequent visitor. Only once, in a January, did we have an irruption for about a month of WB Nuthatches gathering & making caches of sunflower seeds. The one this AM was visiting the platform feeder, as well.
Watched several kettles of 75+ Swainson’s Hawks headed South this afternoon. Then, toward dusk, one group started dropping into our property’s cottonwoods. In our 36 yrs here, have witnessed such only one other time, when a group dropped in for a rest & was gone by daybreak.
Most I counted on one tree today was 10 individuals (photo). Other groups were in neighboring trees in 3’s to 6 or more. Just imagine, some of these birds may find their way to the Pampas of Argentina this month!
Thanks, Diann! Pygmy has made only a handful of visits over the years. Once had a Saw-whet take refuge in the open rafters of our garage during a raging blizzard! I had inadvertently left a garage door open & went to close it, then saw the little owl staring down at me. Left the door open & it had departed by daybreak.
Last night, had a pair of Great-horneds carrying on a “conversation ‘ with each other for a half hour, in backyard cottonwoods. Others, over the years, have been: Long-eared, Short-eared, Barn & a single sighting of a Great Gray flyover. Shows importance of intact Riparian habitat.
YR Warbler activity is rapidly fading. We have a change with lower temperatures arriving this week & think that will play a role with the rush of fall migration.
Wow, you’re lucky to have those owls visit your yard! I consider it a treat when I hear Western Screech, especially what I think are young ones. There are enough trees, deciduous and evergreen, to provide shelter and nesting places in my Boise Depot Bench location. Though I rarely hear or see them, there are occasionally signs that Great Horned Owls have stopped by for a meal or to discard a pellet.
Your bird reports are thoroughly enjoyable to read. Please continue posting.
Between Cliff’s recent post for Fremont County & eBird showing Jefferson County sightings, can now add Bingham County for a recent Sabine’s Gull.
This morning, while fly-fishing a mayfly hatch on the Snake, had an adult, in non-breeding plumage, Sabine’s come very close overhead. At first glance, thought it was a tern. But, quickly realized it was a quite graceful & tailored gull. Made several passes overhead within feet of me.
Good numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers still pushing through today. Groups of 20+ birds stopping & working through the trees & doing a little fly-catching, as well. Other arrivals today: White-crowned Sparrows, DE Juncos & Chipping Sparrows.
Best bird was a lone Warbling Vireo, allowing for great binocular views, as it worked through several cottonwoods.
Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot
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