It has always seemed to me that birding is better after a storm, so I was
hoping for a good day today. I wasn’t disappointed.

It started out with the usual feeder visitors, including a ton of Pine
Siskins (#3) but then the 6 pack of Wild Turkeys (#5) showed up on my block
and made my day. By the time I left on my bike ride, I had 10 birds,
including some very colorful Lesser Goldfinches (#9). When I got to Esther
Simplot, #15 was an A. Kestrel, followed quickly by a Merlin (#20). The
Muskrat in Quinn’s Pond was the first I’ve seen there in some time, and a
nice surprise.

At Ann Morrison, I found a mixed flock of Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings (#28 &
29) hanging out in a tree near the fountain plaza. They seemed to be doing
some “flycatching,” but I don’t know what self-respecting insect would be
flying around in 40 degree weather.

Downstream, just before Veteran’s Parkway, on the GC side, I found a Downy
Woodpecker (#30) and Ruby-crowned Kinglets (#31)on the way out and a Brown
Creeper (#40) on the way back.

As usual, Remington St. was great. The Lesser Scaup (#33) and RN Ducks (#34)
were followed by Red-wing Blackbirds (#35) and White-crowned Sparrows (#36).
Then a Red-tailed Hawk flew over (#37), followed by a pair of soaring Bald
Eagles (#38). Of course the gorgeous Red Fox that wanted to get into the
race track was also a treat.

And somehow I had missed on Gadwall until I got back to Esther Simplot, and
that was #41. A wonderful day to be out observing our feathered (and furry)
friends.

Tom McCabe, Boise