I heard them shooting later and saw them waiting for a couple of Eared Grebes to float in with the wind they found out it was not wadable where they were. I told them the birds were not very good to eat but they said they ground them up for sausage and jerky.

Hunting is allowed at Blacks Creek.

 I’m here ran into some duck hunters i thought  no hunting allowed when confronted them they  said they hunt here often  I’m I wrong on the no hunting 

I’ve been watching for Siskins here, even refilled my thistle seed feeder the other day. As Goldfinches were hitting it hard, in addition to the platform feeder sunflower seeds. Hopefully, some will show here soon. 

 

Brian Carrigan 

We’re getting some new birds, but no heavy winter flocks yet. Goldfinches and siskens showed. They go through more seed than chickadees with more spillage, which turkeys, squirrels and chipmunks appreciate. A fine plumage male golden crowned kinglet showed for a bit yesterday, new bird. Lots of turkeys strutting around, magpies and red tails taking flyovers and sitting on trees and fence posts scouting for food.

Bill Moore

Hoot Owl

Inkom

Today’s Fall migrant was a Swainson’s Thrush. Didn’t find any Warblers, Vireos or Kinglets. Winter resident Townsend’s Solitaires are busy staking out their Rocky Mtn juniper trees & already competing with American Robins for juniper berries. 

 

Others today: Red-tailed Hawks, an adult Bald Eagle perched across the river & an overhead attack by a Sharp-shinned Hawk missed a flight of American Goldfinches. My little backyard colony of Least Chipmunks is busy storing scattered black-oil sunflower seeds as fast as possible, filling their cheek pouches to near bursting! I enjoy watching their antics as much as birding! 

 

Brian Carrigan 

Blackfoot 

Aka white wing diuca finch nest on glacier circa 17000+ft.they build nest small cave like space approx 2 ft deep by18 inch w.nest has ice under nest & on each side & behind  don’t know how  they have enough heat to incubate eggs key must be dense nest indented cup like for eggs lots info on internet & BBC video Terry RICH MIGHT HAVE MORE INFO

I’m sure everyone has their personal harbingers of what signals a change of seasons or events. Being a birder, I look for certain birds to indicate a change of seasons: the arrival of Yellow Warblers for spring, appearance of Black-chinned Hummingbird for summer & late night Great-horned Owl calls in winter. 

 

My fall indicator, & most reliable harbinger of fall migration nearing an end, is the appearance of either Hermit or Swainson’s Thrushes. Today, it was a Hermit. Gave me great binocular views with reddish tail & crisp, black spotting on chest with a complete white eyering. A change in weather is expected by mid-week. Seems fall is here & the riverside cottonwoods are peaking, & stunning, in their color right now. Combined with several amazing aurora borealis displays this past week & a comet just coming into eye visibility view, all have the makeup for a great fall. 

 

Brian Carrigan 

Blackfoot