I feel the same way that Jon does about the Marbled Godwits. If anyone sees these birds near the Nampa – Boise area, please let me know. Marbled Godwits are a lifer I still need to get so it would be a thrill for me to see one before I start work. Please feel free to call or text me at 208-861-4627.
Thanks and I hope everyone is doing well during these strange times.
Liz & all — In a couple of weeks (early May) an early morning stroll along Porter Creek Rd (both near the entrance off Hwy 55, and then also on the dead end portion about 2.5 miles further in) normally provides some enjoyable sightings.
Other than that, I don’t know, except possibly in the Mill Pond area (to the east of the north bridge across the river).
By the way, I see that Marbled Godwits are dependably showing up the past few days. Every year though, when I head to Blacks Creek to see them, I miss them. Weekdays are tough because of work, but if someone comes across Marbled Godwits
tomorrow (Fri) or Saturday, could you please call my cell phone right then, so I can head in asap and have a better chance? If you get my vm, please leave a msg. Thank you! Jonathan Barnett 208-869-5164
Birded Boise County today. Had never hiked Schoolhouse Gulch Trail in Garden Valley but we were rewarded with Macgillivray’s warblers.
On our way back to Emmett on Highway 52, on the reservoir, amid the noise of jet skis, I asked Mike to pull over as there appeared to be several blocks of wood lodged in a locust tree. It was a family of 5 great horned owls; as far as I could tell, 2 adults and 3 fledglings in various stages of adolescence.
I did not enter an ebird list nor did I take pictures because I know there is a protocol about reporting owls and I wasn’t comfortable about it. Anyone who has information about how to do so may please message me privately.
FOY western Kingbird confirmed in the yard this a.m. Heard what I think is a yellow warbler in the treetops.
For several years, I’ve read the accounts of IBLE folks and have appreciated the thoughtful and personal stories of birding outings along our greenbelts, eastern desserts, and the mountain and lake regions to our north. I’ve been fortunate to get to know both the southern and northern flanks of our Idaho bird world. I’ve never been much of a counter, but I have been a constant observer and admirer of birds for over 45 years. Just for the fun of it, I thought I’d share a going-into-summer poem that I wrote while living on the edge of a meadow outside Sandpoint. Bonus points if you can figure out why I’ve entitled it “Basket”.
Thank you to everyone for passing on their birding joy, and peace to you in this time of isolation. ~ Kerry Fitzharris (Boise)
another day out doors above swan falls east of rd. Birds of prey over look no raptors headed home took victory rd.drove real slow nada turned on warren spur rd.came around curve small raptor sit on rocks started to back away so not spook it flew off got to hi way 45 tired & hungry no more drive slow drove past turned around and got photo spent 4 hrs boondocks with 1hr.birds prey over look get main Hi way heading home wam got what i first thought kriders red tail any thoughts?
Saturday morning 4/18/2020 I decided to try a local Boise birding place that might not have too many people. At Marianne Williams Park by the restrooms (closed) and ponds, there was only one other vehicle around 8:45. By the time I returned around 11, there were 15, so I timed it right for crowd avoidance.
The sun started warming nicely and birds became more active. I headed towards Eckert Rd. on the paved path finding Red-winged blackbirds, of course. A pleasant surprise was the lone male Yellow-headed Blackbird perched up in a young cottonwood. Other pleasant sightings were Cinnamon Teals, Gadwalls, and a Ring-necked Duck. Have you noticed the duck decoys in the water behind the black wroght-iron fence? What’s the story? Watching a Red-tailed Hawk pestered by a Kestrel was an interesting sight also. I’m not experienced with Ebird but posted a list yesterday.
I paused at Eckert Rd briefly for a “wardrobe adjustment”, taking off my down jacket. Then I started a new Ebird list as I walked the sandy path along the Boise River. I’m so glad I chose that path rather than return the way I had come. Northern Flickers were busy drumming and calling. For me, the best part of that stroll was watching a male Northern Harrier circling above me. I posted a separate Ebird list for that part of my walk.
Photo is off my cell phone, so details are not sharp.
