I’d point out that molt progression of the cap matches
Yellow-bellied. Red-napeds molt in the red feathers from front to
back of the cap while Yellow-bellieds molt those feathers more
randomly. Also the base color of the cap, paler tannish brown with
darker streaking rather than more solidly dark brown fits
Yellow-bellied.
Cool bird.
Cliff
On 11/18/23 01:08PM, Jay Carlisle via
groups.io wrote:
A
heads up re: the KA Park (Boise) sapsucker seen earlier this
week (during the tanager frenzy 😁) … Jared Peck and Kathryn
Keith are the ones who’ve posted pics so far (that I know of):
Though
it was reported as a Red-naped (the most likely species here so
a sensible assumption), since it’s so slow to get into formative
(adult-like) plumage, it looks more like a
Yellow-bellied (immatures known to molt more slowly in their
first fall – retaining juvenile plumage for much longer than
Red-naped). The paler tones in the crown (best seen in
Kathryn’s list) is also a good fit for Yellow-bellied, and the
hint of the black border on the throat might point that way as
well.
Jared
mentioned seeing it fly S – in the direction of Morris Hill
cemetery (a known winter sapsucker hotspot) so it’s worth
keeping an eye out in that area.
A heads up re: the KA Park (Boise) sapsucker seen earlier this week (during the tanager frenzy 😁) … Jared Peck and Kathryn Keith are the ones who’ve posted pics so far (that I know of):
Though it was reported as a Red-naped (the most likely species here so a sensible assumption), since it’s so slow to get into formative (adult-like) plumage, it looks more like a Yellow-bellied (immatures known to molt more slowly in their first fall – retaining juvenile plumage for much longer than Red-naped). The paler tones in the crown (best seen in Kathryn’s list) is also a good fit for Yellow-bellied, and the hint of the black border on the throat might point that way as well.
Jared mentioned seeing it fly S – in the direction of Morris Hill cemetery (a known winter sapsucker hotspot) so it’s worth keeping an eye out in that area.
Still present Sat just before noon – in tall deciduous tree above patch of trail with fruiting tree dropping leaves/fruit on trail on way to NW corner of Kathryn Albertson park. First heard chick calls …
Keep watching for Evening Grosbeaks my way, but none yet. Lately, best birds have been flocks of Cedar Waxwings hitting the bumper crop of Rocky Mountain Juniper berries this season. May have to take a drive over Pocatello-way to Tractor Supply & check it out.
Other than birds, getting regular visits by these Moosepigs! Lol! Definitely, not starving!
Haha, yeah Tractor Supply must annually celebrate the return of the Grosbeaks. Lots of them around here too, plus lots of both types of Chickadees along with Juncos, R.B. Nuthatches, Goldfinches and Hairy & Downy Woodpeckers, a few House Finches and a solo Steller’s Jay that has taken a liking to thistle seeds.
Thanks to those of you who shared your photos on eBird so that those of us who are not able to participate could still see the birds and marvel at their beauty. Kerry is right about the kindness of our local birders sharing their passion with others. There have been many times when I’ve been the recipient of that kindness. Our local birders seem more than willing to educate others about the astounding beauty and habits of birds. Thanks to many of you, I become a better birder each time I go out.
Kerry – your enthusiasm and eloquence are much appreciated. I’m someone who shared in the 3-act play yesterday and it was indeed quite magical- birds and birders!
And also, another vote for the kindness of RL and Ceredig!
That noise you hear in Pocatello is the folks at Tractor Supply doing their cash flow happy dance. The Evening Grosbeak flock has arrived here in bright striking plumage vs goldfinches who are now in drab winter wear. I still have both Back Capped and Mountain chickadees.
Here’s a quick note of thanks to all who searched yesterday for the Scarlet Tanager at Kathryn Albertson’s Park here in Boise. The process of looking for the bird in the park highlighted the incredible friendliness and passion of our birding community. The experience was like a 3-act play, with folks marveling and sharing their discovery of the tanager over the course of the morning throughout the park. One person, who had stopped to find out what was happening and who was not a birder, remarked to me, “The most incredible part for me is not seeing the bird, but rather, witnessing the excitement of all of you observing it!” I felt so lucky to have been a part of this experience. Thank you, Faustina, for the initial discovery, and to RL and Ceredig for keeping us in the loop so we could share in this sighting.
Kerry Fitzharris Boise
Home of Idaho Birding and the Idaho Bird Records Committee
