Today, as I got near to Esther Simplot Park, I heard a sound that always gives me a thrill. It took a second for my brain to process it, but then I realized it was the sound of Sandhill Cranes. I scanned the sky and saw a string of cranes, way up, traveling generally up river. There were at least 20 cranes, maybe 30, but I was standing in the middle of Stewart Ave. and I didn’t really feel comfortable. By the time I got out of the way of cars, they were gone. But way cool.
Then, while scanning all the waterfowl at the main pond at Esther, they all suddenly took off. And I mean EVERY body. I looked up, expecting a raptor but didn’t immediately see anything. Then a shadow crossed over me and I looked up again to see an immature Bald Eagle flying by. It was quite a cloud of birds: Mallards, C. Geese, RB Gulls, A. Wigeons, A. Crows. I think the lone Killdeer managed to stay put, and I think the C. Goldeneye just dove. Still, a noisy cloud of birds, all squawking.
Took a walk along Snake River this holiday Mon AM to see Trumpeter Swans which have been roosting on river and bank at night. Got a couple of great photos & counted approx 150 swans, in groups ranging from 15 to 60 birds. Over a thousand Canada Geese as well. Plus, Mallards, Buffleheads, Common & Hooded Mergansers.
Others: 1 Blue Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Pine Siskins, Am Goldfinches, House Finches, Spotted Towhees, Am Robins, N Flicker, BB Magpies, Common Raven, BC & Mt Chickadees.
Good morning! Not just any new yard bird – 77 has been my favorite number since I can remember, and this bird today happens to be my 77th Yard Bird! (Over almost 20 years now here)
A Townsend’s Solitaire suddenly appeared in the crabapple tree out my window and started feeding. That’s a bird I have only seen a few times in my 44 years of birding! It’s gone now; only stayed about 5 minutes.
There are a few open Short-eared Owl survey grids in eastern Oregon. Not sure if there are Iblers who live in Malheur County or in the very western part of Idaho but this is a good chance to get in on some fun. Please contact Ellie Armstrong at the email below if interested.
Yesterday, 2/9 at Fort Boise WMA near Parma: 1000+ snow geese are resting prior to their push north, several dozen white fronted geese as well. Other notables, many yellow-rumped warblers, a N shrike. Geese are easily viewed from elevated platform blind overlooking marsh. Cheers, Rich Nampa
