As the weather has shifted to winter temperatures, the birds have amazingly become more cooperative. Tuesday was too wet and icy, but Wednesday eased up. Highlights included a Bald Eagle at Esther Simplot Park and a Great Horned Owl roosting
along the greenbelt. During the ride, I found 4 Redtail Hawks, 4 A. Kestrels, 11 Great Blue herons and 13 DC Cormorants (the DCCO’s were all together). Final treat was a Bohemian Waxwing in a flock of Cedars near 25^th and Brumback. My FOY! Final
tally was 40 species in 12 miles.

Thursday was nearly as bird filled, starting with a Cooper’s Hawk in our back yard, plus 2 Bald Eagles at Veterans Pond and a final tally of 38 species in 11 miles. Today was even better, with 40 species in 11 miles. The 2 Bald Eagles were
again hanging out in a tree between the back pond at ESP and Veterans Pond. My big treat today was 2 separate Townsend Solitaires, one at 23^rd and Brumback and the other at 25^th.

Wonder what I’ll find tomorrow?

Tom McCabe, Boise

Just took these pictures in our yard. Had to shoot through the window, so they are rather fuzzy.  Appears to be a female house finch, but I have never seen this white head before. We saw it 3-4 days ago, but
it immediately took off and haven’t seen it until this afternoon.

We had 3-4 Pine Siskin a week ago, but they were gone within an hour and have not returned. When we lived in the North End, we had the Pine Siskins regularly, but they don’t seem to like the West Bench. Probably
not enough trees.

Thanks for any ideas about this house finch.

Tom Soniville

West Bench

Boise