Thanks for your report from west side of state. I’ve been watching for Pine Siskins to hit my thistle feeder, but none as of yet. No big “flush” of songbirds through our place, as of yet, either.
Just seems, one day the birds are here, next day, must have pulled out at night. Today, had a bit of activity for an hour at the nectar, 2 Black-chinneds & 1 Calliope…all juvs. Appears they’ve since moved on. Best bird today has been one Gray Catbird working the interface between yard & woods.
About 2 weeks ago, we had a male Lazuli Bunting show up at our feeders. He was quickly accompanied by a female. He stayed for a couple of days; she stayed a day longer. Then, a week ago, our first Pine Siskin showed up, and by today there
were 3 of them. And yesterday there was a Western Tanager hanging around across the street, but he never made it into our yard. BC Hummers continue to visit the feeders, but traffic has slowed somewhat. And our neighborhood Wild Turkeys continue to delight,
although one never knows where they’ll be found.
Was wondering how the hummers were your way, Bill. Watched the nectar feeder off & on, as time allowed today. Ended up seeing a single juvenile Black-chinned hit the feeder twice, early afternoon. Zero this evening. Supposed to be a weather change with cooler temps & moisture by tomorrow evening. I’ll keep some nectar filled until, as you note, overnight freezes occur. Hopefully, provide some quick energy for stragglers.
American Falls Reservoir water level is now below the silo and shorebirds are showing up. Got a snowy plover and 2 semipalmated plovers along with the usual plethora of killdeer. Several sandpiper species and both yellowlegs, willet, and lots of ibis. Common, Forster’s, and Caspian terns too.
Birding at Willow Bay is a bit hampered by on-going reconstruction of the breakwater at the boat ramp. However, you can get to the beach via the county park.
It appears that there was a migration exodus last night. My hummingbird feeder has been absolutely silent since daybreak. Not a single visitor. Yesterday, had hummingbirds hitting it all day, from dawn to dusk. Also, no warblers or House Wrens around for a week. I have seen 2 juv Black-headed Grosbeaks at the seed feeder, but no adults in days.
Several long-term winter forecasts for our region state above avg snowpack & cold. If my streamside willows are any indication (already turning yellow/gold), appears fall is arriving. Maybe the birds know something this year, as last year, had hummingbird visitors into October.
Have been watching the nectar feeder quite a bit, last few days. Since Tuesday, have only seen juvenile hummingbirds coming in. Black-chinned, Rufous & Calliope with two big bursts of activity: dawn & about 2 hours before dusk, otherwise, intermittent throughout the day.
Started internet researching hummingbird migration & appears that “instinct” plays a big role in their travels. As the adults vacate the region first & the juveniles are left on their own. So, seems they have an inherited instinctual ability to navigate their travels, without adults guiding. Fascinating. Also, read that found through banding studies, at least 15% of juveniles return to immediate area where hatched each year. Would welcome any thoughts, pro or con, on my findings, esp by those who have been involved with hummingbird banding, etc.
Appears I’m down to only one juv Black-headed Grosbeak. Monday, still had adults around. By Tue afternoon, no more adults. Best bird today has been a Rock Wren bobbing up & down through the underbrush near our picnic area.
Have yet to see an adult hummingbird today. And a juvenile Calliope is definitely ruler of the feeder today! The “Fall feel” is definitely welcome!
Fascinating. That dramatically expands my experience of birdfeeders beyond the birds ‘n squirrels. The squirrels bug my brother-in-law who attempts to live-trap them and haul them off for release down by the river. Do you begrudge the deer and bear sharing your offerings for the birds? It would be a tall order to live-trap the deer and bear that come to visit! I don’t have a birdfeeder but it seems doubtful we could totally micromanage natural systems. NASA engineer Mark Rober started out wanting to find a squirrel-proof bird feeder and ended up becoming a fan of the squirrels as he devised several squirrel obstacle courses that tested their dexterity and curiosity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZFjoX2cGg
Our flocks are changing too. I only have one hummer feeder up, having dropped two this week. Consumption dropped quickly early this week. We were mobbed last weekend and going through more than a quart a day between three feeders. Biggest problem is mobbing hornets, need a hard frost.
Haven’t seen a juvie BH Grosbeak for a week. Chickadees BC and Mountain are hitting feeders now after no sightings since late Spring.
Lawn no longer looks dead. N Sandhills for a while.
Bill Moore
Hoot Owl Rd
Inkom
Home of Idaho Birding and the Idaho Bird Records Committee
