Double day of the Merlin first east end of upper dam parking lot deer flat
n.w.r. second one Wilson spring ponds around north sideq

Wilson ponds interesting hybrids todayq

The last time I saw an Osprey-until today-was October 19th. Today, at 45th
St. on the Garden City side, I stopped to look over at Willow Lane in the
hopes of finding a Red-tail. Instead, I realized there was a large bird, not
one of the many gulls, doing lazy circles as it cruised downriver. I was
sure even before I got binos on it, but through binos he was outstanding. I
know one or two have stayed late in the year sometimes, but getting to see
one this late is a real treat.

Another treat was the large flock of Cedar Waxwings gathered at the Garden
City Senior Center. There were at least 50-my largest flock so far this
season-but there may have been twice as many. There were groups in various
trees but there were also groups going to the puddles to drink, sometimes
ten or more at a time, with no diminution of the groups in the trees.
Unfortunately, despite lots of squinting, I couldn’t turn any of them into
Bohemians. I’ve seen only one flock of Bohunks this year, a small group near
Veterans.

On another note, my young friend Ian, who birds Esther Simplot Park (ESP)
daily, tried to help me find the female Bufflehead that is hanging out at
ESP yesterday, without any luck. But today she showed up in the main ESP
pond. Thanks to Ian I was looking for her. Unusual to see a solo Bufflehead.

Tom McCabe, Boise

Hooded mergansers continue at cove on orchard east of river side rd.Deer
flat n.w.r

It seems my smart phone has gone back to my old gmail address my new one is
photobirder@gmail.com

Started out the cold windy morn red top ponds past caldwell nice variety
gadwalls widgeons less scaups ringnecks comm.golden eye buffleheads coming
back from Adrian crossing rv.on Idaho side started seeing flock after flock
of snow geese they were taking off from Roswell slough there had to been
several hundred still on water making well over a thousand total.

Caught this wily Sharp-shinned Hawk stalking my backyard birdfeeder after the birds scattered. At least, I’m fairly sure it’s a Sharp-shinned Hawk rather than a Cooper’s Hawk. Great day observing multiple Juncos, Nuthatches x 2, several House Finch pairs, a Mourning dove and a plethora of sparrows. Sharon Meikle, Ada County, Boise, ID

Caught this wily Sharp-shinned Hawk stalking my backyard birdfeeder after the birds scattered. At least, I’m fairly sure it’s a Sharp-shinned Hawk rather than a Cooper’s Hawk. Great day observing multiple Juncos, Nuthatches x 2, several House Finch pairs, a Mourning dove and a plethora of sparrows. Sharon Meikle, Ada County, Boise, ID

When I was out doing my “Poop Fairy” duties this morning, I heard a noise
from the trees across the alley. I looked up in time to see a Rough-legged
Hawk flying out of the neighbor’s tree and heading northeast. I got great
looks at my newest yard bird. 😉

But then I had to finish my duties. 🙁

Tom McCabe, Boise

RL reported one at the landfill

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone