We took a drive towards Cascade on Friday for a change of scenery. Found a pair of mature bald eagles in a tree at the south end of Gardena. We made a side trip into Crouch
where we saw an osprey flying along the river, east of the grocery store. Didn’t get a picture, but the size, shape, color and call all matched for an osprey. We were wondering how common it is for osprey to skip the migration south? Also found another pair
of bald eagles at Kelly’s Whitewater Park is Cascade. A quality over quantity trip.
Have found my bird feeder friends are just as afraid of a N Shrike, as they are a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Maybe even moreso. As, even the BC Chickadees are more wary when the Shrike is around, than they are of a Sharpie. N Shrike appeared this last week & seems to prefer DE Juncos. But, can sure create havoc at the feeder when flies through!
I attended a very helpful, informative lecture by Robert Miller (Intermountain Bird Observatory) last fall on owl diversity and conservation in Idaho. He discussed the overwhelming invasion by Barred Owls in our state, and what is being done to eliminate that problem. I think it’s quite possible, Rich, that it’s the cause of the problem you mentioned.
But I’m still hopeful some Pygmy Owls will be seen in previously known sites, and that info will be noted on the IBLE site.
All, Over the last several years I have seen and heard calls of NOPO’s at our place in the hills just NE of Cascade. Until about 2 springs ago, and it seems their presence is now nil. The reliable habitat where I’ve encountered them over the years is near or upon prominent boulder outcrops, atop elevated topography. Sadly they seem absent for now, I will keep an eye and ear out for them, especially this coming spring. The nest box I placed there while they were actively present, near one of the boulder outcrops has not been used. I did document these sightings on eBird.
Keeping my fingers crossed this spring, for more activity?
Could their recent absence be due to the barred owl that seems to have recently taken up residence there, or the great horned I have documented there for 10+ years?
It’s funny you should ask! I’ve seen two northern pygmy owls in southeast Idaho in the last week. A new record for me too! I saw them on two separate Christmas bird counts.
Micah
Home of Idaho Birding and the Idaho Bird Records Committee
