For those of you Boise folks that don’t mind getting a little wet, there was a Snow Goose at Esther Simplot Park today about an hour ago. It was sitting on the bank of the channel that flows out of Quinn’s Pond and into the main pond of
Esther Simplot Park.
My ride was a little wet today, but very rewarding. We had a Cooper’s Hawk visit our yard this morning, and I then sighted a Cooper’s twice more, down near Les Bois track. Plus, I’m continuing to hear and see WB Nuthatches, in addition
to the crew of RBNU’s that seem to have taken up residence in and around my yard. YR Warblers and RC Kinglets seem to have returned for the winter. Either that, or I can now that some leaves have fallen, I can see them.
What a wonderful sight to witness! Side-by-side comparisons are the best for visuals, and even better to hear the different swan calls. Thanks for another great report.
Seems like the Tundras typically have shorter straight necks too.
That’s a good opportunity to get a mental image of the difference
in structure. Side by side like that the difference is obvious but
it can be a real challenge with just one species present.
Cliff
On 11/5/23 04:33PM, lcarrigan_55 wrote:
I don’t often observe Tundra Swans mixed in with Trumpeters. But,
did so yesterday. Neighbor had about 75 Trumpeter Swans in his
field & a group of 6 Tundras came in, landing right next to
the Trumpeters. Very interesting to not only hear each distinctive
call, but also to see the size difference side-by-side. The
Tundras were 3/4 the size of the Trumpeters & looked like
“pencil necks” next to the larger, taller & thicker-necked
Trumpeters.
I don’t often observe Tundra Swans mixed in with Trumpeters. But, did so yesterday. Neighbor had about 75 Trumpeter Swans in his field & a group of 6 Tundras came in, landing right next to the Trumpeters. Very interesting to not only hear each distinctive call, but also to see the size difference side-by-side. The Tundras were 3/4 the size of the Trumpeters & looked like “pencil necks” next to the larger, taller & thicker-necked Trumpeters.
I walked around the Highlands neighborhood this morning looking for any Pine Grosbeak, no luck on that but did find a very vocal and active Blue Jay flying around, many good views and heard it from blocks away!
