Has anyone noticed an increase in the number of Northern Pygmy Owls this month? I was doing the Sandpoint North January raptor survey and saw 3, miles apart from each other. I rarely see one annually so three was quite the surprise.
Very glad to hear the results of your survey, nice numbers and species diversity! I appreciate you generating enthusiasm for others to report their findings, a few have responded so far. It is a great way to share experiences amongst the volunteer group and a nice way to advertise the project, might help with me recruiting volunteers in the future :). Thank you Cheryl 🙂
I picked up the Dietrich and Richfield raptor routes for this winter.
I did my December drive three days ago after the storms had finished passing through, but the Richfield roads were still in bad condition and I was only able to complete about half of the route. In addition to counting raptors, there were a noticeable number of Gray Partridges in the farmlands west and north of Richfield – I saw at least a half dozen groups, each with 8-10 huns.
The Dietrich route was more productive because the roads were better. 28 Red-tailed, 1 Ferruginous, 1 Prairie Falcon, 12 Kestrels, 5 Northern Harriers, and a Bald Eagle carrying a partial carcass and being chased by other birds. The eagle sighting was in the final mile of the route and a fun way to end the drive.
The bird is not crested better description front view yellow starts face down to about mid belly then white rest of b elly also black stripes on flanks I’m sure photo not 2021
