Carl,
Are you absolutely sure of the Swamp Sparrows at Camas NWR? I believe this would be a first for Camas.
Category Archives: Listserv Posts
Swamp Sparrows and other Jefferson County migrants
I birded for a few hours in Jefferson County this afternoon, starting at the Camas NWR headquarters area (https://ebird.org/checklist/S96441666). The highlight was at least 2 (probably 3) SWAMP SPARROWS in cattails along the first 30m of “the straightaway ‘ (double tree row) just north of the entrance road as you pull into HQ. Also present were an apparent intergrade Northern Flicker that showed mostly Yellow-shafted traits (black malar, red crescent on nape, largely-brownish face), a couple of late-ish Lincoln’s Sparrows, and both Kinglets. There was a prescribed fire underway, and the auto tour loop was closed.
A late WILSON’S WARBLER was at the Market Lake WMA West Windrow with a few other migrants: Audubon’s Warblers, White-crowned Sparrow, and a legitimately one-footed Hermit Thrush (https://ebird.org/checklist/S96445964). Lots of American Pipits were in the wetland areas.
Good Birding,
Carl Lundblad
Corvallis, OR
Re: The Boise Loon
Same observation of the Loon this afternoon around 3pm. Hopefully, it’s working those flight muscles in preparation for leaving. A fisherman complained the Loon has been stealing fish off their hooks. There’s a sign posted on the tree with a name and number of IDFG to call if the Loon gets tangled in line.
Re: The Boise Loon
I’d walked to the pond one day and was chatting with a couple of young men who were fishing off the dock. In excited tones, one of them pointed to a bird on the other side of the pond and said, “See that loon over there, I’d just caught a fish right here when the loon came over and grabbed the fish right out of my hand!” He saw it not as a theft but as a delightful interaction with the natural world.
Kevin Merrell
Boise
Birds at DF Lower Dam
The Iceland Gull found by Cheryl at the Lake Lowell Lower Dam yesterday is still there today, even with all of the high winds. It was hanging out to the east of the boat ramp along the shore. It had dark eyes, a dark bill, and pinkish legs. The three Greater Scaup were also swimming not too far away from that boat ramp at the east end of the dam.
Happy birding!
—
Aidan Lorenz
Caldwell
Re: The Boise Loon
I was out there earlier today and I also saw him fly across the pond. Even got crappy photos..
Kathy Lopez
Nampa
Re: The Boise Loon
Yippee that is great news!
Thanks for the update and making me smile.
Re: The Boise Loon
The Boise Loon
For those of you in the Boise area who have been keeping track of the Common Loon on the pond west of Glenwood and north of the river, there’s some good news. I know some folks have been concerned that the pond is not big enough for the Loon to take off, and others have been concerned that the Loon was injured. (My personal theory has been that they stock that pond on a regular basis.)
Well yesterday, my wife, Susan, was observing our feathered friend when he headed west, flapping madly, elevated off the water, rose up to avoid some swimming DC Cormorants, traveled to the west end of the pond, banked hard left and did a 180 and landed. That’s the first time either of us have seen him/her fly more than a few yards. Then, today, Susan saw the Loon do a takeoff across the pond, north to south, and land back down safely.
I’m not sure if the bird is rehabbing from an injury or just getting ready to depart, but I think the idea that the pond is too small may not hold water. 😉
Tom McCabe, Boise
Re: Swamp Sparrow at Lolo Pass
That’s an awesome find!!