The last time I saw an Osprey-until today-was October 19th. Today, at 45th
St. on the Garden City side, I stopped to look over at Willow Lane in the
hopes of finding a Red-tail. Instead, I realized there was a large bird, not
one of the many gulls, doing lazy circles as it cruised downriver. I was
sure even before I got binos on it, but through binos he was outstanding. I
know one or two have stayed late in the year sometimes, but getting to see
one this late is a real treat.
Another treat was the large flock of Cedar Waxwings gathered at the Garden
City Senior Center. There were at least 50-my largest flock so far this
season-but there may have been twice as many. There were groups in various
trees but there were also groups going to the puddles to drink, sometimes
ten or more at a time, with no diminution of the groups in the trees.
Unfortunately, despite lots of squinting, I couldn’t turn any of them into
Bohemians. I’ve seen only one flock of Bohunks this year, a small group near
Veterans.
On another note, my young friend Ian, who birds Esther Simplot Park (ESP)
daily, tried to help me find the female Bufflehead that is hanging out at
ESP yesterday, without any luck. But today she showed up in the main ESP
pond. Thanks to Ian I was looking for her. Unusual to see a solo Bufflehead.
Tom McCabe, Boise
