Today, I’ve seen a few singles: Yellow-rumped Warbler, RC Kinglet, White-crowned Sparrow & Townsend’s Solitaire. Also, a great close flyover by an adult Bald Eagle.

But, at exactly 3:25 PM (checked the time), I first heard & then saw the return of an old friend from last year. The Blue Jay was at the feeder: loud, raucous & stuffing down seeds. Last fall a Blue Jay appeared on Oct 21. If not the same bird, this one certainly knows the area well. It immediately started caching black-oil sunflower seeds in some of the exact same locations as last year. I’ve read where hummingbirds can remember & find the same feeders from yr to yr, so why not a Blue Jay? Seems to be right at home. A pleasant surprise!

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot