Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Idaho Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, March 17 at 01:57 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Black-and Crimson Oriole,©Barry Kent Mackay

17 Mar Simco Rd. to Ted Trueblood WMA, Elmore Co. to CJ Strike WMA, Owyhee Co. ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 16 Mar RE: Phainopepla ["Lew & Connie Ulrey" ] 16 Mar Idaho Master Naturalist Program [Susie ] 16 Mar RE: spring? [alfred larson ] 15 Mar Request: Information on Sandhill Cranes in SW Idaho [Chad August ] 15 Mar spring? ["Mike Munts" ] 15 Mar Washington county 2010 BY List [] 15 Mar White Headed Woodpecker [Jennifer Alban ] 15 Mar Idaho Birder: Al Larson ["Robert Mortensen" ] 15 Mar 2010 Bonneville County List: RE: Swainson's Hawk ["anatidae7" ] 15 Mar Request: Info on Sandhill Crane Breeding Locations in SW Idaho ["chad.august" ] 14 Mar Canyon Co. Birds for 2010 ["Cheryl Huizinga" ] 15 Mar 2010 Bonneville County List ["anatidae7" ] 14 Mar Parma, Canyon County to Marsing, Owyhee County ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 14 Mar Midvale area, Washington County ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 14 Mar March 23, 24 birding in Pocatello ["Nancy Miller" ] 14 Mar Valley County birds updated [Denise Hughes ] 14 Mar White-headed Woodpecker RFI [Jay Carlisle ] 14 Mar Dubois Grouse Days ["Kit Struthers" ] 13 Mar World Center BOP & Pet Haven, Ada County; Idaho City & Robie Cr, Boise Co. ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 13 Mar Update to Boise County 2010 Big Year List ["Sheri Foote" ] 13 Mar Phainopepla [Denise Hughes ] 12 Mar e-mail address change ["robertmortensen AT cableone.net" ] 12 Mar Images of Waxwings ["cameronkathleena" ] 12 Mar congrats to Al Larson &ුTWS award&෕ [Eileen Loerch ] 11 Mar congrats to Al Larson (TWS award) [Denise Hughes ] 11 Mar State of the Birds 2010 Report on Climate Change Released by Secretary of Interior [Denise Hughes ] 11 Mar congrats to Al Larson (TWS award) [Jay Carlisle ] 11 Mar 2010 Ada County Big Year List ["Lew & Connie Ulrey" ] 11 Mar Dunlin, Hubbard Reservoir, Ada county ["jharrykrueger" ] 11 Mar Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Hidden Hollow Landfill, Ada Co. ["jhkrueger AT gmail.com" ] 11 Mar 210 in 2010 - Week Ten ["Robert Mortensen" ] 10 Mar Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/13/2010, 8:30 am [] 9 Mar Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/11/2010, 7:00 pm [] 8 Mar Idaho Birder: Mike Morrison ["Robert Mortensen" ] 7 Mar continuing LBB Gull (Boise) and Green Heron (Marsing), from Sat [Jay Carlisle ] 7 Mar Trumpeter Swan ["Shirley Sturts" ] 7 Mar Trumpeter Swan ["Shirley Sturts" ] 7 Mar McCall [Denise Hughes ] 7 Mar Out-n-about [] 07 Mar Suggestions for Recording Sites ["JLMoore3" ] 07 Mar Signs of Spring ["Steve" ] 6 Mar Lucky Peak area, Black's Creek Reservoir, Indian Creek Reservoir, Ada Co., Mayfield Loop, Elmore Co. ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 06 Mar Hybrid House Finch? ["rkmorten" ] 6 Mar Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/13/2010, 8:30 am [] 5 Mar A bit late (and off base) Malheur, Baker Co.,OR; Canyon Co., ID ["J. Harry Krueger" ] 05 Mar Henry's Lake ["loraingarwin" ] 5 Mar Kootenai County Big Year ["Shirley Sturts" ] 5 Mar Benewah and Kootentai County Big Year ["Shirley Sturts" ] 5 Mar Animated eBird Maps ["Robert Mortensen" ] 5 Mar Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/11/2010, 7:00 pm [] 4 Mar 210 in 2010: eBird Idaho - week nine ["Robert Mortensen" ] 03 Mar Henry's Lake ["loraingarwin" ] 03 Mar Latilong Web Site Changes [Cliff and Lisa Weisse ] 03 Mar Henry's Lake ["loraingarwin" ] 03 Mar Marsing Green Heron ["llloydf" ] 3 Mar SIBA Field Trip to Owyhee River, OR - 2-27-10 ["Cheryl Huizinga" ] 2 Mar Re: Ollie Ironside is a possible virus [Jay Carlisle ] 02 Mar IBRC Update [Cliff and Lisa Weisse ] 02 Mar Ollie Ironside is a possible virus ["denhug" ] 2 Mar Ollie Ironside [Jay Carlisle ] 1 Mar Spring Mtn Activity [Richard Rusnak ] 1 Mar American Robin ["Lew & Connie Ulrey" ] 1 Mar 2010 Ada County Big Year List ["Lew & Connie Ulrey" ] 1 Mar Idaho Birder: Scott Tuthill ["Robert Mortensen" ] 1 Mar File - IBLE Guidelines.txt [] 01 Mar Final Raptor Count ["lcarrigan_55" ] 28 Feb Sage Sparrow in Ada Co. [] 28 Feb Marsing/Fort Boise [Danette Henderson ] 01 Mar Possible Early Swainson's Hawk ["Lynn Davenport" ] 28 Feb Large Raptor Push ["lcarrigan_55" ] 27 Feb Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boise dump [1 Attachment] [Jay Carlisle ] 27 Feb Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boise dump [1 Attachment] [Jay Carlisle ] 26 Feb Re: Rare? Redhead in Salmon ["Shirley Sturts" ] 26 Feb Re: more on the GBBC filters [Cliff and Lisa Weisse ] 25 Feb Re: Rare? Redhead in Salmon ["Mike Munts" ] Subject: Simco Rd. to Ted Trueblood WMA, Elmore Co. to CJ Strike WMA, Owyhee Co. From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:56:02 -0600 Yesterday (3/16/2010), RL Rowland and I made a 1/2 day trip, beginning at the northern end of Simco Rd, to Grandview Road to Ted Trueblood WMA, into Grand View and along the south side of the Snake River to the CJ Strike dam, ending the day at Jacks Creek area of CJ Strike WMA. Here in SW Idaho, this was the warmest day of the year thus far, reaching the mid-60 in most places, with sunny skies. Noteworthy observations included: *Snow Goose (600,* with 2 "Blue" forms*) *- Jacks Creek *Cinnamon Teal *- the first male of the year (at least for us) was seen with the waterfowl in the main pond at Trueblood WMA *American White Pelican* - numbers are beginning to build, with 21 at Trueblood and 2 at Jacks Creek *Herring Gull (29) *- This is the highest number of this species that I have seen together in one place in Idaho. Included in the total were seven 3rd cycle, one 1st cycle, and 21 adult individuals *Northern Mockingbird (1) *- heard singing across the river channel at the eastern end of Grand View, but never did cross to our side. This is most apparently the same bird first found in February, and seen a few times afterward *European Starling* - roughly 6000 birds were estimated moving south along the west side of Simco Road, across from the diary cattle yards [In case you're wondering, yes, I am working today... unfortunately for birding, fortunately for my expense meeting capacity.] J. Harry Krueger Boise Subject: RE: Phainopepla From: "Lew & Connie Ulrey" <lulrey AT cableone.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:50:49 -0600 I saw that same thing. I think it is a mistake and that one of us should write to Dr. Hewston. Usually he is right on that sort of thing. This year I got off a line and reported Purple Finches when I meant House Finches. He wrote to me promptly and I wrote back admitting my error. Lew Ulrey From: ible AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:ible AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Denise Hughes Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:45 PM To: Ible; SIBA Subject: [IBLE] Phainopepla A few days ago, I received the results of the Thanksgiving Bird Count; a count that is compiled by Dr. John Hewston at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. According to the submitted results, one person in Boise saw a Phainopepla. I don't remember hearing about a phainopepla being seen in Boise. Does anyone know where the phainopepla was seen? Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama Subject: Idaho Master Naturalist Program From: Susie <ladysolen AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:45:49 -0700 (PDT) The Lizard Butte Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists Program is scheduled to start on March 23 and will meet at the Deer Flat Visitors center.  The fee for the course is $50.  The course will cover a wide variety of topics including birding! If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please let me know and I'll send you the course outline, class and field trip schedule and registration form.  You can also read more about the program here:  http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/master_naturalist/ Susie Thayer Middleton, Idaho Subject: RE: spring? From: alfred larson <larson83703 AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:57:37 -0600 It is not too early to make sure your nest boxes are ready for the return of the bluebirds. The early birds will begin building nests near the end of April. Good luck! Al Larson 160 Daggett Creek Road Boise, ID 83716 E-mail larson83703 AT msn.com Blog: http://allarsonphotography.com To: ible AT yahoogroups.com From: mmunts AT atcnet.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:33:52 -0600 Subject: [IBLE] spring? In spite of several feet of snow still on the ground, spring is slowly returning to Craters of the Moon. I have seen Mountain Bluebirds twice in as many days. Also the first chipmunk of the year earlier today. Mike Munts Arco Subject: Request: Information on Sandhill Cranes in SW Idaho From: Chad August <c.w.august AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:43:28 -0700 Hi Idaho birders, I am requesting information on Sandhill Cranes in southwestern Idaho during the breeding season (May to August). I am doing a research project with the University of Nevada-Reno on Greater Sandhill Cranes that breed in northeastern Nevada, extreme northwestern Utah, southwestern Idaho, and possibly extreme southeastern Oregon (these birds are assigned to the Lower Colorado River Valley population of Greater Sandhill Cranes). I am particularly interested in reports from Owyhee County. Thanks in advance for the help -- Chad W. August Master's Student, Wildlife Ecology Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno Office: 775-784-6558 Cell: 515-368-3135 caugust AT cabnr.unr.edu Subject: spring? From: "Mike Munts" <mmunts AT atcnet.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:33:52 -0600 In spite of several feet of snow still on the ground, spring is slowly returning to Craters of the Moon. I have seen Mountain Bluebirds twice in as many days. Also the first chipmunk of the year earlier today. Mike Munts Arco Subject: Washington county 2010 BY List From: xylemacres AT hughes.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:04:50 +0000 (GMT) Subject: White Headed Woodpecker From: Jennifer Alban <albanpsych AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:17:42 -0700 (PDT) I have White Headed Woodpeckers at my feeders at my house in Idaho City quite regularly - I would guess nearly everyday - I don't keep super careful track of them.  They were here all winter in fact, which I don't remember happening before.  I'd be happy to share my view and birds with others who are interested.  Other regular visitors include Downy & Hairy woodpeckers, Evening Grosbeaks and lots of nuthatches, goldfinches, pine siskins, etc. Jennifer Alban Idaho City   Jennifer Alban P.O. Box 777 Idaho City, ID 83631-0777 208-392-9992  cell: 208-880-7576   albanpsych AT yahoo.com Subject: Idaho Birder: Al Larson From: "Robert Mortensen" <robertmortensen AT cableone.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:15:26 -0600 Al Larson, the Bluebird Man of Idaho. I hope you enjoy reading Al's responses as much as I did. What an inspiration! http://avimor.blogspot.com In the next couple of weeks the Idaho Birding Blog will feature Bob Whitlatch and Monty Thomson. Happy Birding! Robert Mortensen Idaho Birding Blog Subject: 2010 Bonneville County List: RE: Swainson's Hawk From: "anatidae7" <harlequin_duck AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:18:28 -0000 Please disregard the recent report of the Swainson's hawk for Bonneville County. Sorry for the error. Thanks. Jacob Briggs Idaho Falls harlequin_duck AT hotmail.com Subject: Request: Info on Sandhill Crane Breeding Locations in SW Idaho From: "chad.august" <c.w.august AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:05:09 -0000 I am requesting information on the distribution of Sandhill Cranes in southwestern Idaho during the breeding season from May to August. I am doing a research project with the University of Nevada-Reno on Greater Sandhill Cranes that breed in northeastern Nevada, extreme northwestern Utah, southwestern Idaho, and possibly extreme southeastern Oregon (these birds are assigned to the Lower Colorado River Valley population of Greater Sandhill Cranes). I am particularly interested in reports from Owyhee County. Thanks in advance for the help Chad W. August Master's Student, Wildlife Ecology Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno Office: 775-784-6558 Cell: 515-368-3135 Subject: Canyon Co. Birds for 2010 From: "Cheryl Huizinga" <bchuizinga AT cableone.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:28:41 -0600 Hi Birders, Here's the latest additions to the Canyon County Bird List for 2010. 102. Sandhill Crane - 2/19 - Roswell Marsh - Letty Percifield 103. Western Bluebird - 2/20 - Celebration Park - GEAS Field Trip 104. . Thayer's Gull - 2/18 - Pickles Butte Landfill - RL Rowland 105. Pine Siskin - 2/25 - Canyon Hill Cemetery - Cheryl Huizinga 106. Green Heron - 3/2 - Across from Marsing Island - Leanne Lloyd-Fairey 107. Mountain Bluebird - 3/9 - Montana Ave. Caldwell - Bobbi & Dean Cross 108. Virginia Rail - 3/10 - Apple Valley Rd, Parma - Cheryl Huizinga 109. Winter Wren - 3/10 - Ft. Boise WMA - Cheryl Huizinga 110. Clark's Grebe - 3/6 - Lake Lowell - Jonathan Stoke 111. American White Pelican - 3/6 - Ft. Boise WMA - Jonathan Stoke Thanks!! Cheryl Huizinga bchuizinga AT cableone.net Subject: 2010 Bonneville County List From: "anatidae7" <harlequin_duck AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:19:22 -0000 Hi all, Here is the most recent birds I have for the Bonneville County List: 41. Swainson's Hawk 3/4/2010 Osgood Area Jacob Briggs and Trevor Butterworth 42. Snow Bunting 3/4/2010 Osgood Area Jacob Briggs and Trevor Butterworth 43. Snow Goose 3/8/2010 Osgood Area Jacob Briggs and Trevor Butterworth If anyone has any sightings for Bonneville county to report, please do so. Thanks to all those who have contributed. Jacob Briggs Idaho Falls harlequin_duck AT hotmail.com Subject: Parma, Canyon County to Marsing, Owyhee County From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:00:46 -0600 Returning from Washington County in later afternoon, Louie Quintana and I drove through Parma to check for the often elusive Green Heron along the river in Marsing, Owyhee County. The following of interest were noted: *Greater White-fronted Goose* - approximately 385 individuals provided opportunity for close observation south of Parma, with what appeared to be 2 "Tule" subspecies (Anser albifrons elgasi) birds in the mix. *Snow Goose* - about 540 birds, with only a literal handful number showing plumage characteristic of 1st year birds... and no Ross's Goose mixed in. (An additional 125 were also at the lower dam over Lake Lowell.) *Green Heron* (1) - "the" bird was very briefly glimpsed as it moved into brush along the river. (Leg color and position, size, and back color - the only chareacteristics that I was able to see - provided enough evidence of its continued presence.) *Ring-billed Gull* (1200) - in a recently plowed field along US 95 outside of Marsing. All birds were adults, a few with rosy coloration on head and underparts. The only California Gull noted was along the Snake River, just east of the bridge. J. Harry Krueger Boise Subject: Midvale area, Washington County From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:22:57 -0600 Yesterday (3-13-2010), Louie Quintana and I traveled to Washington County, with the specific goal of seeing displaying Sage Grouse, possibly also locating some Sharp-tailed Grouse in the process. Although we finally left Boise for Midvale at 5:20 AM ("Harry, I slept through my alarm!") in a mixture of snow and rain, we not only achieved our goal, but were also able to find a few other "goodies" in the process, all in steadily improving weather, beginning the day with freezing temperatures, slowly warming (and clearing) to the upper 40's. (I'm sure Louie will provide additional detail, although probably a bit fanciful, for my part, this is the straight, unadulterated stuff for you "real birders.") :) *Midvale area*: *Snow Goose* - 520 birds south of Shoepeg Rd. included 2 "Blue" forms. *Northern Pintail* - next to Mallard, this was the most plentiful duck encountered, with probably well over 200 seen *Barrow's Goldeneye* - slightly surprising, 2 male and 2 female, with more expected Common Goldeneye, on Crane Creek Reservoir *Common Merganser* - 44 (3/4 males) were concentrated on a still 3/5 frozen Crane Creek Reservoir *Greater Sage Grouse *- five displaying males and one female along Shoepeg Road at dawn. There were no birds at the other usually visited lek (Knobhill Road) just outside of town, although the ground was snow covered there and not at Shoepeg. *Sharp-tailed Grouse* - two females moving through the snow, 8.9 miles east from the intersection of Knobhill Road and US 95, across from the farm/ranch house near the intersection with Hog Creek Road. *Turkey Vulture* (1) - near Mann Creek Reservoir *Rough-legged Hawk* - the most plentiful raptor in the desolate, uninhabited area east of Midvale (6-8) *Horned Lark* - numbers were undoubtedly in the thousands total in the area covered (although only 215 were actually "counted"). Isolated birds were obviously already on territory and singing, while others were still grouped in loose association, foraging through the snow-covered landscape.These were undoubtedly of the race Eremophilia alpestris merrilli, the common breeding bird from here throughout northern Idaho. (Hopes of longsurs or Snow Bunting were not realized.) *Western Meadowlark* - many birds were already on territory, in song. (A complete listing of species seen will be posted on eBird... if the program doesn't again "swallow up" my records!) J. Harry Krueger Boise * * Subject: March 23, 24 birding in Pocatello From: "Nancy Miller" <nmiller AT moscow.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:26:08 -0700 My husband and I will be in Pocatello March 23 and 24. While I am at a conference he would like to be birding. We would be interested in knowing if any groups or individuals will be going out on those days and whether he might join them. Or we would appreciate your suggestions for places he might see birds - particularly those we are less likely to see around Moscow Idaho. You may answer me off the list. Nancy Miller Viola ID 208 301 0560 Subject: Valley County birds updated From: Denise Hughes <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:14:32 -0600 Here is the latest from Valley County. I missed a couple of birds that were posted in January and February; the birds highlighted in yellow are new to the Valley County list. 30 Ring-necked Duck 1/18 Cascade Robert Mortensen 31 Gray Jay 1/18 Gold Fork Hot Springs Robert Mortensen 32 Steller's Jay 1/18 Gold Fork Hot Springs Robert Mortensen 33 Northern Saw-whet Owls 2/12 Eastside Road, McCall Charles Swift 34 Brown Creeper 2/13 McCall golf course Charles Swift 35 Red Crossbills 2/13 McCall golf course Charles Swift 36 Pileated Woodpecker 2/13 McCall golf course Charles Swift 37 American Kestrel 2/15 Round Valley Lynn Davenport 38 Red winged Blackbird 2/15 McCall golf course Charles Swift 39 Brewers B lackbird 2/14 Cascade Mark Johnston 40 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2/14 Ponderosa State Park Charles Swift 41 Clark's Nutcracker 2/15 Aspen Village, McCall Charles Swift 42 Downy Woodpecker 3/5 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 43 White-breasted Nuthatch 3/5 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 44 American Robin 3/5 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 45 Cedar Waxwing 3/5 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 46 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3/6 McCall Denise Hughes 47 Horned Lark 3/6 Farm to Market Road, McCall Denise Hughes 48 European Starling 3/6 McCall Denise Hughes 49 Dark-eyed Junco 3/7 Windsong Mark Johnston 50 Pine Siskin 3/7 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 51 Evening Grosbeak 3/7 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 52 Lesser Goldfinch 3/7 McCall Cheryl Huizinga 53 American Goldfinch 3/7 McCall Cheryl Huizinga Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama Subject: White-headed Woodpecker RFI From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:07:42 -0700 (PDT) Hi folks A friend of a friend is going to be leading a bird tour in Idaho (from Houston Audubon) in June and one the key species they're hoping to be able to see is White-headed Woodpecker.  If anyone sees any and/or learns of any that are somewhat regular in occurrence over the next few months and you wouldn't mind sharing the info, would you please either post on IBLE and/or send an e-mail to Steve ?? Thanks in advance! Jay Subject: Dubois Grouse Days From: "Kit Struthers" <kit619 AT ida.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:49:37 -0600 8th Annual Dubois Grouse Days Fostering Partnerships for Grouse Conservation What: A two-day event to celebrate the shrub-steppe ecosystem and the animals that call it home. Where: Dubois, Idaho (about 45 miles north of Idaho Falls on Interstate 15) When: Friday April 16 doors open at 5pm for registration and light supper Saturday April 17, all day activities starting at 0600 with tours to grouse leks. Saturday April 17, Banquet and awards ceremony start at 5pm Why: To promote education and conservation of our western rangeland heritage. Activities: Guided tours to grouse breeding grounds to view Greater Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse courtship and The Nature Conservancy's Crooked Creek Ranch and other local highlights, banquet, arts and craft booths, kids activities and art contest, presentations by biologists and ranchers and the Teton Raptor Center; raffle and silent auction. Plus, dedication of the Kent L. Christopher habitat rehabilitation project at Camas National Wildlife Refuge. Sponsored by: Dubois Grouse Days Committee, The North American Grouse Partnership, the Upper Valley Sage Grouse Local Working Group, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Clark County Stockgrowers, the North American Falconers Association, NorthWestern Energy, Rocky Mountain Power, and the people and businesses of Dubois, Idaho. All proceeds go towards conservation and education, including the Kent L. Christopher Conservation Scholarship for a local high school senior. Contact: Jeff Lidey Jeff_lidey_179 AT hotmail.com 208/313/2730 Website: www.grousedays.org Kit Struthers Snake River Audubon Society Idaho Falls, ID 208-529-2028 kit619 AT ida.net Subject: World Center BOP & Pet Haven, Ada County; Idaho City & Robie Cr, Boise Co. From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:33:40 -0700 Yesterday (3/12/2010) RL Roland and I birded around the World Center for Birds of Prey, Pet Haven off Warm Springs Road in Ada County, and then continued up to Idaho City and back down to Robie Creek Road, ending the day once again at Pet Haven and along Warm Springs Road into Boise. While the variety and numbers of birds was far from remarkable, we did record a few species worth mentioning/ commenting upon: *Chukar* - The World Center for Birds of Prey grounds remain the most reliable place in Ada County to see this species. *Northern Pigmy-Owl* (1-2) - responded to recording at two locations in Idaho City, Boise Co. *Short-eared Owl* (1) - over grasslands along entry road to BOP Center. *Steller's Jay* (12) - Idaho City. All were of the expected resident race, Cyanocitta stelleri annectens, although birds exhibiting characteristics of C. s. macrolopha, the "Rocky Mountain" race, have been noted in other winters-early springs in Idaho. J. Harry Krueger Boise Subject: Update to Boise County 2010 Big Year List From: "Sheri Foote" <featherchaser AT frontiernet.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:16:05 -0700 (Mountain Standard Time) Here's an update to the Boise County Big Year List for 2010. Hopefully they will start streaming in faster here pretty soon ..... Sheri Foote Garden Valley 055Killdeer02/19/10Horseshoe Bend Mill PondLinda Yearsley 056Lesser Goldfinch02/20/10Garden ValleyRalph and Sheri Foote 057Wood Duck02/24/10Garden ValleySpencer Walters 058Turkey Vulture02/28/10Garden Valley (Proj. Patch)Spencer Walters 059Spotted Towhee02/28/10Garden ValleyRalph Foote 060American Crow03/03/10Garden ValleySpencer Walters 061Western Bluebird03/03/10Garden Valley (Crosstimber)Spencer Walters 062Sage Sparrow03/03/10Garden Valley (SF Landing)Spencer Walters 063Western Meadowlark03/04/10Horseshoe BendSheri Foote 064Northern Harrier03/05/10Garden ValleySpencer Walters Subject: Phainopepla From: Denise Hughes <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:44:45 -0700 A few days ago, I received the results of the Thanksgiving Bird Count; a count that is compiled by Dr. John Hewston at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. According to the submitted results, one person in Boise saw a Phainopepla. I don't remember hearing about a phainopepla being seen in Boise. Does anyone know where the phainopepla was seen? Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama Subject: e-mail address change From: "robertmortensen AT cableone.net" <robertmortensen@cableone.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:19:58 -0700 Subject: Images of Waxwings From: "cameronkathleena" <magicfeathers AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:04:11 -0000 I just finished a new blog entry on http://majesticfeathers.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-waxwing-discovery.html It is about a discovery that I made about Waxwing tongues when I enlarged an image of one swallowing a rose hip. I have included several images of Waxwings that I took this winter season. Kathleen Bellevue, Idaho Subject: congrats to Al Larson &ුTWS award&෕ From: Eileen Loerch <birdsnbugs AT cableone.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:33:43 -0700 Subject: congrats to Al Larson (TWS award) From: Denise Hughes <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:02:23 -0700 I'd like to add my congratulations and thanks to Al for everything he does to promote birding and conservation. Way to go, Al!! Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama To: ible AT yahoogroups.com From: carlislejay AT yahoo.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:27:15 -0800 Subject: [IBLE] congrats to Al Larson (TWS award) Probably not the first nor the last time he'll receive such recognition ;-) but tonight at the banquet for the annual meeting of the Idaho Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS), Al Larson was honored with the TWS Special Recognition Award for all of his efforts forwarding bird conservation in Idaho (including, of course, his work with bluebirds ... but also lobbying for the creation of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and helping in the early days of the Golden Eagle Audubon Society). Congratulations Al! ... and thanks! Subject: State of the Birds 2010 Report on Climate Change Released by Secretary of Interior From: Denise Hughes <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:59:31 -0700 Thjis was just posted on a bird education list. Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama In case you haven't heard, The State of the Birds 2010 Report on Climate Change was released this afternoon by the Secretary of the Interior. The report is available online: http://www.stateofthebirds.org/ It's starting to hit the news but you can help spread the word. Thanks! Ashley Secretary Salazar Releases New "State of the Birds" Report Showing Climate Change Threatens Hundreds of Species AUSTIN, TX - Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, a new report released today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar concludes. The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report issue released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. "For well over a century, migratory birds have faced stresses such as commercial hunting, loss of forests, the use of DDT and other pesticides, a loss of wetlands and other key habitat, the introduction of invasive species, and other impacts of human development," Salazar said. "Now they are facing a new threat - climate change - that could dramatically alter their habitat and food supply and push many species towards extinction." The report, a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and experts from the nation's leading conservation organizations, shows that climate changes will have an increasingly disruptive effect on bird species in all habitats, with oceanic and Hawaiian birds in greatest peril. In releasing the report, Salazar cited the unprecedented efforts by the Obama Administration and the Department of the Interior to address climate change. Last week in Anchorage, Alaska, for example, the Interior Department opened the first of eight new climate regional Climate Science Centers that will engage scientists from all of Interior's Bureaus and our partners to research climate change impacts, work with land, natural, and cultural resource managers to design adaptation strategies, and engage the public through education initiatives. The Climate Science Centers will help support a network of new "Landscape Conservation Cooperatives" that will engage federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governmental and non-governmental partners, and the public in crafting practical, landscape-level strategies for managing climate change impacts on land, natural, and cultural resources within the eight regions. "Just as they did in 1962 when Rachel Carson published 'Silent Spring,' our migratory birds are sending us a message about the health of our planet," Salazar said. "That is why -for the first time ever- the Department of the Interior has deployed a coordinated strategy to plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change on the resources we manage." Key findings from the "State of the Birds" climate change report include: . Oceanic birds are among the most vulnerable species because they don't raise many young each year; they face challenges from a rapidly changing marine ecosystem; and they nest on islands that may be flooded as sea levels rise. All 67 oceanic bird species, such as petrels and albatrosses, are among the most vulnerable birds on Earth to climate change . Hawaiian birds such as endangered species Puaiohi and 'Akiapòlà'au already face multiple threats and are increasingly challenged by mosquito-borne diseases and invasive species as climate change alters their native habitats. . Birds in coastal, arctic/alpine, and grassland habitats, as well as those on Caribbean and other Pacific Islands show intermediate levels of vulnerability; most birds in aridlands, wetlands, and forests show relatively low vulnerability to climate change. . For bird species that are already of conservation concern such as the golden-cheeked warbler, whooping crane, and spectacled eider, the added vulnerability to climate change may hasten declines or prevent recovery. . The report identified common bird species such as the American oystercatcher, common nighthawk, and northern pintail, that are likely to become species of conservation concern as a result of climate change. "Birds are excellent indicators of the health of our environment, and right now they are telling us an important story about climate change," said Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg, director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "Many species of conservation concern will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to protect and conserve vital bird habitat." "All of the effective bird conservation efforts already taking place to protect rare species, conserve habitats, and remove threats need to be continued." said David Mehlman of The Nature Conservancy. "Additionally, they need to be greatly expanded to meet the threat climate change poses to bird populations." "The dangers to these birds reflect risks to everything we value: our health, our finances, our quality of life and the stability of our natural world," said Audubon's Glenn Olson. "But if we can help the birds weather a changing climate, we can help ourselves." "While there is much to be concerned about in this report, we can reduce the impact of climate change by taking immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and find creative conservation solutions to help birds adapt to the changes that are already in process." said David Pashley, vice president American Bird Conservancy. The report offers solutions that illustrate how, by working together, organizations and individuals can have a demonstrable positive impact on birds in the U. S. Specifically, the report indicates that the way lands are managed can mitigate climate change and help birds adapt to changing conditions. For example, conserving carbon-rich forests and wetlands, and creating incentives to avoid deforestation can reduce emissions and provide invaluable wildlife habitat. The report is the product of a collaborative effort as part of the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, between federal and state wildlife agencies, and scientific and conservation organizations including partners from American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. For more information visit www.stateofthebirds.org. . Hugh Vickery (DOI), (202) 501-4633 . U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Alicia King, 703-358-2522/571-214-3117, Alicia_F_King AT fws.gov . American Bird Conservancy: Steve Holmer, 202-234-7181, sholmer AT abcbirds.org . Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Pat Leonard, 607-254-2137, pel27 AT cornell.edu . National Audubon Society: Nancy Severance, 212-979-3124, nseverance AT audubon.org The Nature Conservancy: Blythe Thomas, 703-841-8782, bthomas AT tnc.org Ashley Dayer Chair, Bird Education Alliance for Conservation Chair, Partners in Flight Education & Communications Working Group PhD Student, Cornell University-Department of Natural Resources & Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cell (541) 324-0281 aad86 AT cornell.edu Subject: congrats to Al Larson (TWS award) From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:27:15 -0800 (PST) Probably not the first nor the last time he'll receive such recognition ;-) but tonight at the banquet for the annual meeting of the Idaho Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS), Al Larson was honored with the TWS Special Recognition Award for all of his efforts forwarding bird conservation in Idaho (including, of course, his work with bluebirds ... but also lobbying for the creation of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and helping in the early days of the Golden Eagle Audubon Society). Congratulations Al! ... and thanks! Subject: 2010 Ada County Big Year List From: "Lew & Connie Ulrey" <lulrey AT cableone.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:00:52 -0700 Hello everyone, We have some very interesting additions to our Big Year List. Some of them have already been announced here. They are as follows: 111 Redhead 3/6 Blacks Creek Reservoir Harry Krueger 112 Greater Scaup 3/6 Indian Creek Reservior Harry Krueger 113 Canvasback 3/11 Kuna STP RL Rowland 114 Chukar 3/3 Two Rivers Paul Barrus 115 Dunlin 3/11 Hubbard Reservoir RL Rowland & Harry Krueger Also added to our list is #106 Sandhill Crane, 3/7, overhead East Boise, Steve Bouffard This record appears to be out of order. However, position #106 was briefly occupied by a report that has been determined to be in error. I have slotted Sandhill Crane into the empty 106 position. Lew Ulrey Boise lulrey AT cableone.net Subject: Dunlin, Hubbard Reservoir, Ada county From: "jharrykrueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:48:32 -0000 After leaving Hidden Hollow Sanitary Landfill (wonder how a dump can be called "sanitary!"), RL Rowland and I continued on to Hubbard Reservior... and were rewarded with the "first" (at least for southern Idaho) shorebird of the year (Killdeer and Wilson's Snipe do not count... at least in my book), a basic plumaged Dunlin. Also of moderate interest were the 34 Green-winged Teal present. J. Harry Krueger, Boise Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Hidden Hollow Landfill, Ada Co. From: "jhkrueger AT gmail.com" <jhkrueger@gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:30:39 +0000 R.L.Rowland, Cheryl Huizinga and I checked the Boise dump this late morning and early afternoon. There were approx. 2500-3000 gulls, with about 80% adult California Gulls and 20% Ring-billed Gulls. MIxed in there were 10-12 Herring Gulls (3rd and 4th cycle). We were also able to identify two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. We first found a 3rd cycle bird (photo taken and a different individual than the adult found by Jay and Heidi on Sat.). Then after Cheryl left, we apparently refound the adult bird from this weekend. J.Harry Krueger Boise ---------- Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone Subject: 210 in 2010 - Week Ten From: "Robert Mortensen" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:34:55 -0700 We have just completed Week Ten of the Two-Ten in Twenty-Ten in the eBird Idaho race. 64 Idaho eBirders have reported a grand total of 165 species and have submitted around 1400 checklists. I have posted on my blog a couple of graphs that eBird sent me showing our success along with this weeks leader board. http://avimor.blogspot.com Several folks had good runs this last week and tallied up several additional species. I felt good about adding three species, but was knocked down to 13th place on the species race, and I couldn't be happier about it! Keep up the good work everyone. Your efforts will go a long way to help us all better understand bird species distribution and migration patterns. I'd love to see Idaho have more than 100 regular eBird users. I invite everyone from IBLE and SWIBA to give eBird a try. Tell your friends in your birding club about it! If you come across a challenge using eBird, please let me know so I can help you through it. http://ebird.org Happy Birding! ---------------------------------- Robert Mortensen Avimor Birding Blog 208-939-0343 office 208-921-1202 mobile robert.mortensen AT suncorID.com Subject: Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/13/2010, 8:30 am From: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: 10 Mar 2010 15:26:13 -0000 Reminder from: ible Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ible/cal Southwestern Idaho Birders Association Saturday March 13, 2010 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Location: Fort Boise WMA, Parma Notes: Meet at Caldwell's Franklin Rd Park and Ride (I84,exit 29) This is a half day trip with easy walking. Dress for the weather. Optional extra trip would be to Roswell Marsh after lunch (bring lunch if doing that) to see migrating Sandhill Cranes and more geese. Trip leader, Cheryl Huizinga, 459-4116 All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo.com Privacy Policy: http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/11/2010, 7:00 pm From: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: 9 Mar 2010 01:59:53 -0000 Reminder from: ible Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ible/cal Southwestern Idaho Birders Association Thursday March 11, 2010 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm Location: Visitor Center, Deer Flat NWR, Lake Lowell Notes: Member Richard Renstrom will present a program called "Idaho's Naure. All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo.com Privacy Policy: http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Idaho Birder: Mike Morrison From: "Robert Mortensen" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 07:57:13 -0700 Known by many to be the consummate birding mentor, Mike Morrison's personality and passion shine through in today's Idaho Birder Profile. Please check it out at http://avimor.blogspot.com. Coming up in the next couple weeks, you can learn more about Al Larson and Bob Whitlatch! Including those two gents, we have featured 25 great Idaho birders. If you've missed any, let this link take you to the complete list: http://avimor.blogspot.com/p/idaho-birder-profiles.html Happy Birding! ---------------------------------- Robert Mortensen Avimor Birding Blog 208-939-0343 office 208-921-1202 mobile robert.mortensen AT suncorID.com Subject: continuing LBB Gull (Boise) and Green Heron (Marsing), from Sat From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 22:08:03 -0800 (PST) Sorry for the late posting (busy since birding Sat) ... Heidi & I checked a few spots on Sat, including both SW Idaho dumps (hoping for some gull turnover as new migrants arrive :-) and Marsing. Pickle Butte AT 10am was pretty boring (even more so than what RL found a little later; we only had ~200 gulls and they were hard to view) so we headed down to Marsing.  We were able to find the Green Heron in the slough (perched on a lower branch of an olive) but noticed very few waterfowl on the river ... We then headed to Hidden Hollow (the Ada Co. landfill) where gull numbers were really impressive!  I estimated over 3,000 birds, almost 75% Californias.  Heidi quickly found the adult Lesser Black-backed that we'd seen last weekend but we only saw it for the 1st 5 minutes or so (probably got lost among the hordes of California Gulls).  No sign of the 2nd-W Glaucous that'd been around since December (did it leave?). Cheers & happy birding, Jay Subject: Trumpeter Swan From: "Shirley Sturts" <shirley.sturts AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:52:02 -0800 I also need a Feb. date for latilong 17 Please let me know if you saw any during February I have 2 records from ebird for Canyon County in Dec. and Jan. but I need Feb. date to change the distribution map to blue (overwintering) Thanks, Shirley Sturts Coeur d'Alene, ID Subject: Trumpeter Swan From: "Shirley Sturts" <shirley.sturts AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:34:03 -0800 I have a Dec. 2009 and Jan. 2010 date for Trumpeter Swan in Latilong 25 (Hagerman WMA and CBC) I need a Feb. date to make a status change to "Overwintering" . Did anyone see them there in February. Thanks Shirley Sturts Coeur d'Alene, ID Subject: McCall From: Denise Hughes <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 18:25:45 -0700 I spent the day in McCall and was able to find one life bird, two Chestnut backed Chickadees! Great looking bird. There was also a Horned Lark just south of McCall on a back road. I think this is the first Horned Lark I have seen in McCall. A male and female Evening Grosbeak were found at a feeder along with 50 American Goldfinches, 2 Lesser Goldfinches, BC Chickadees, and Pygmy and RB Nuthatches. It was a beautiful day in the mountions, lots of fresh air and blue sky. Denise Hughes Caldwell, ID idahobirder AT hotmail.com It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live....Dali Lama Subject: Out-n-about From: rowlandrl AT aol.com Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 14:23:17 EST "ible" RL here. After the GEAS field trip ended at Wilson's Springs Ponds yesterday (25 species) I went on to do an "out-n-about" (as I call them). Went to Pickle's Butte, the Canyon Co. landfill. Had about 500 gulls, 70/30 RBGU/CAGU; Ravens, Crows & Starlings there too. 6 HEGU's, 2- 3rd yr. & 4 adults. One of the RBGU's had a pinkish tinge. As I was checking out one of the tellers told me I'd just missed Jay & Heidi? P.S. I know all you who bird Pickle's Butte check in, have to; but, when leaving, be sure & check out too. The management there is tightening up on that. They want to know when we depart as equally as when we enter. Just a reminder. Went on to Marsing, no Green Heron. Park & boat launch had way too many users. Got to Grandview, Mockingbird still in same place, no Grackles though. Stopped in at Ted Trueblood WMA. Had some big white guys with their heads tucked in. Found 14 Tundra Swans, one of which had a neck collar. Was able to read the thing with my scope (K329, white on blue) & just a bit ago sent my report to the Bird Banding Lab. Also had several "V's" of Greater White-fronteds" pass over going eastward over both Elmore & Owyhee Co.s, some came in to the Ted & stayed. Don't recollect having those geese there before. Continued on to Strike Dam but didn't stop, very breezy & water was too choppy to bird. Came back over Simco Rd. Shooters everywhere. In the past I've rarely seen many out there, but, yesterday, the area was practically swarming with them. Poor ground squirrels being predated upon but not ascending the food chain. Passed by Indian Ck. Res., didn't stop when saw a vehicle there. No apparent spots on the water so figured someone running their dog had chased everything out. Turned out it was probably Harry Krueger, from his previous posting. Should have stopped anyway...oh well. A good day. Good Birding. RL>< Subject: Suggestions for Recording Sites From: "JLMoore3" <jlmoore3rd AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:59:50 -0000 Hello all, In preparation for International Dawn Chorus Day (IDCD ) on May 2nd, I am researching locations. As a preface- IDCD is held the 1st Sunday of May each year, and is the "worldwide celebration of Nature's daily Miracle" - the Dawn Chorus. The ideal location would be far enough away from major roads, to keep down the background traffic noise, and would be easily approachable by foot in the dark of the pre-dawn morning. I plan on camping close to the location, and then hiking in to set up my recording gear. My research, so far, has me looking at locations like the Owyhee Upland Backcountry Byway, the Ted Trueblood Wildlife Area, and Crane Creek Reservoir. If anyone has experience with whether those areas might be suitable, or other suggestions, please let me know. If you're interested- here are a couple of links to dawn chorus recordings: Clarkesdale Bird Paddock Mount Samaria John Moore Subject: Signs of Spring From: "Steve" <tntbutters AT cableone.net> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:28:11 -0000 Friday in the Idaho Falls area was the first day I have seen any Gull species since December of which I saw two in the distance flying. Later talking with Darren Clark, he also mentioned seeing two flying over the Idaho Falls area. Today I saw a few small flocks around. I also have noticed an uptick in Meadowlarks and I saw my first Mountain Bluebird in this area just West of Western Wings by Roberts. Redwing Blackbirds are just about everywhere. I had the opportunity to go birding with Lynn Davenport along with his son-in-law and grandson today and although the birds were not very cooperative for us I had good time getting to know them. I actually got to meet Lynn in Pocatello on Friday and help him find a Juniper Titmouse there. It was interesting swapping stories with him about the places we have birded in Arizona in the past and some of the people we met there. Steve Butterworth Idaho Falls Subject: Lucky Peak area, Black's Creek Reservoir, Indian Creek Reservoir, Ada Co., Mayfield Loop, Elmore Co. From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:22:33 -0700 I spent two hours this morning (9:30- 11:30) and an additional four plus hours this afternoon (2- 6:20) birding the east side of the Treasure Valley. The morning was spent around Lucky Peak Reservoir (Foote Park, lake-dam, Discovery Park), and the afternoon viewing Indian Creek Reservoir, the Mayfield Loop, Blacks Creek Reservoir, and a before sundown stop back to Discovery Park. Species seen: [of interest-*bold]* LPR= Lucky Peak Reservoir area ICR= Indian Creek Reservoir BCR= Blacks Creek Reservoir ML= Mayfield Loop Canada Goose - LPR, ICR, BCR, ML *Tundra Swan* (*55*) - BCR (five birds with grayish 1st year plumage) *Eurasian Wigeon* (*1*) - BCR (drake) American Wigeon - BCR Mallard - LPR, ICR, BCR Northern Pintail - ICR, Green-winged Teal - ICR, BCR Redhead - ICR, BCR Ring-necked Duck - ICR, BCR *Greater Scaup* (*2*) - ICR Lesser Scaup - ICR Bufflehead - ICR Common Goldeneye - LPR, ICR, BCR Hooded Merganser (2) - ML (first of the species I've seen on this loop with only one small pond) Common Merganser - LPR California Quail - LPR, BCR *Bald Eagle* - ML (only second time I have seen this species over open desert/steppe here - adult) Northern Harrier - ICR (pair, vocalizing and displaying- have nested here previously), BCR, ML Cooper's Hawk - LPR (adult, male) Red-tailed Hawk - LPR Rough-legged Hawk - BCR, ML Golden Eagle - ML (2nd year bird) American Kestrel - LPR, ML Killdeer - ICR, BCR Rock Pigeon - LPR (always nice to see this bird in its natural habitat - cliffs!) Mourning Dove - LPR *hummingbird (sp.)* - ICR (although I could not make a 100% positive identification on this bird that flew, and briefly hovered, over the entrance road to Indian Creek Reservoir, the probability is extremely high that this was an *Anna's Hummingbird. *It is much too early for any of the regularly occuring Idaho species, and all winter records, except one Meridian, Ada County Costa's Hummingbird, are of Anna's. I saw an all green back, with size and shape also consistant for Anna's Hummingbird.) Hairy Woodpecker - ML (first time seen on this loop - single male) Northern Flicker - LPR Black-billed Magpie - LPR, ML Aamerican Crow - Hwy. 21, on way to LPR Common Raven - LPR, ICR, BCR, ML Horned Lark - BCR, ML Black-capped Chickadee - LPR Rock Wren - LPR Canyon Wren - LPR Ruby-crowned Kinglet - LPR American Robin - LPR, ML Europen Starling - ICR, ML Song Sparrow - LPR, ML Dark-eyed Junco - LPR (2 male "Slate-colored" *Junco hyemalis hyemalis), *BCR, ML Red-winged Blackbird - ICR, BCR, ML Western Meadowlark - ML *Gray-crowned Rosy Finch* (*2*) - LPR (Two birds of the "Hepburn's" race, *Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis*, were seen entering Cliff Swallow nests across from Discovery Park, close to sundown. An easy id point on this race is the light yellow bill on the very dark face. This is getting late for seeing birds at this traditional roosting site.) House Finch - LPR, ICR, BCR House Sparrow - ICR, ML *46 specis total* (My personal year total for Idaho stands at 104) J. Harry Krueger Boise ** Subject: Hybrid House Finch? From: "rkmorten" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:24:22 -0000 Sorry, not pictures, but I had a female or juvenile house finch at my feeder that appears to be a hybrid or melanistic. Its tail feathers are black. Its face is mostly black, except the right side which is normal. The forehead and throat are black too. The bill is significantly lighter than other house finches. Without binoculars I thought it was a house sparrow. A closer look made me think of a Harris Sparrow, but the coloration looks like a Junco hybrid. Has anyone heard of House Finches hybridizing with sparrow types? Subject: Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/13/2010, 8:30 am From: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: 6 Mar 2010 15:26:34 -0000 Reminder from: ible Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ible/cal Southwestern Idaho Birders Association Saturday March 13, 2010 8:30 am - 12:00 pm (The next reminder for this event will be sent in 4 days, 4 minutes.) Location: Fort Boise WMA, Parma Notes: Meet at Caldwell's Franklin Rd Park and Ride (I84,exit 29) This is a half day trip with easy walking. Dress for the weather. Optional extra trip would be to Roswell Marsh after lunch (bring lunch if doing that) to see migrating Sandhill Cranes and more geese. Trip leader, Cheryl Huizinga, 459-4116 All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo.com Privacy Policy: http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: A bit late (and off base) Malheur, Baker Co.,OR; Canyon Co., ID From: "J. Harry Krueger" <jhkrueger AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:07:58 -0700 Better late than not at all, so... Last Saturday, February 27, Louie Quintana and I birded along the Oregon-Idaho border (as well as a quick look at Farewell Bend State Park, Baker Co.). *Some noteworthy sightings included*: *Snow Goose* - a carefully estimated *9000-10,000* birds (including some *Ross's Goose* and *"Blue" Snow Goose*) flying over OR Rt. 201, south of Nyssa, OR. *Wild Turkey* (*69*) - s. of Parma, Canyon Co. *Turkey Vulture* (1) - Ontario, OR [flying east] *Sandhill Crane* (17) - s. of Parma, Canyon Co. *Loggerhead Shrike* (1) - Farewell Bend SP, Baker Co., OR *Mountain Chickadee* (4) - Farewell Bend SP, Baker Co., OR (along with at least 2 Black-capped Chickadee) *Western Bluebird* (10) - Farewell Bend SP, Baker Co., OR For a mid-day beginning, our *49 species* for the day wasn't too bad. For those of you keeping track (perhaps I'll get around to putting it on eBird someday soon... perhaps), my year total for Idaho stands at *98 species* (almost all Saturday birding). J. Harry Krueger Boise Subject: Henry's Lake From: "loraingarwin" <loraingarwin AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:07:28 -0000 Between Feb 24 and March 1 I observed the following interesting birds mostly on the north side of Henry's lake: Pine grosbeak (1) American tree sparrows (2) first for me at the cabin Pink sided junco (1) Kingfisher (1) Staleys springs Common golden eye (2) Staleys Barrows golden eye (1) fish hatchery on lake White breasted nuthatch (1) up Pittsburg Creek on the north side of the lake. First for me at or near the cabin. Snow buntings (n) several flocks around the lake Bald eagles a pair at the fish hatchery which had thousands of cutthroat to feast on. I saw one carrying a large fish. Bald eagles were also Staleys Numerous common birds were present including stellars jays, clark's nutcrackers, both species of chickadees, American goldfinches and cassin's finches. Gar Lorain, Boise, ID Subject: Kootenai County Big Year From: "Shirley Sturts" <shirley.sturts AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 12:08:54 -0800 Kootenai County Big Year 2 more Fernan Lake and Creek Feb. 27 Kris Buchler and Shirley Sturts #92 Wood Duck (Lake) #93 Virginia Rail (Creek) Shirley Sturts Coeur d'Alene, ID Subject: Benewah and Kootentai County Big Year From: "Shirley Sturts" <shirley.sturts AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:21:14 -0800 Benewah County #56 Gray Jay - Emerald Creek - Terry Gray Kootenai County #88 Harlequin Duck - Feb. 17 Bennett Bay, CDA Lake - Paul Sieracki #89 Northern Saw-whet Owl - Feb.19 - Fernan Lake - Keith and Shirley Sturts #90 Tundra Swan - Feb. 21 - Cougar Bay, CDA Lake - Doug Ward #91 Western Bluebird - March 3 - Twin Lakes - Cindy Langlitz Shirley Sturts Coeur d'Alene, ID Subject: Animated eBird Maps From: "Robert Mortensen" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 08:46:38 -0700 Happy Friday everyone! Recently I've been playing around with eBird maps to learn more about particular species. I posted a couple blogs that have a slide-show of eBird maps where you can watch Bullock's Oriole's annual migration pattern or see how the Eurasian Collared-doves have expanded their range. http://avimor.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-fun-with-ebird-maps-bullocks.htm l http://avimor.blogspot.com/2010/02/watch-eurasian-collared-dove-expansio n.html I hope these animated maps show you how relevant your checklist submissions can be for scientists tracking similar patterns. Just another great reason to be an eBirder. Happy Birding! ---------------------------------- Robert Mortensen Avimor Birding Blog 208-939-0343 office 208-921-1202 mobile robert.mortensen AT suncorID.com Subject: Southwestern Idaho Birders Association, 3/11/2010, 7:00 pm From: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: 5 Mar 2010 02:14:20 -0000 Reminder from: ible Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ible/cal Southwestern Idaho Birders Association Thursday March 11, 2010 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm (The next reminder for this event will be sent in 4 days, 4 minutes.) Location: Visitor Center, Deer Flat NWR, Lake Lowell Notes: Member Richard Renstrom will present a program called "Idaho's Naure. All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo.com Privacy Policy: http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: 210 in 2010: eBird Idaho - week nine From: "Robert Mortensen" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 09:00:05 -0700 Leader board is posted at http://avimor.blogspot.com A few fun-to-watch leader changes for the species portion of the competition. Looks like Heidi and Jay have been making up for lost time due to their Africa expedition and are now in the top 10 for species. Thanks for using eBird guys! Happy Birding! ---------------------------------- Robert Mortensen Avimor Birding Blog 208-939-0343 office 208-921-1202 mobile robert.mortensen AT suncorID.com Subject: Henry's Lake From: "loraingarwin" <loraingarwin AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:31:17 -0000 Between Feb 24 and March 1 I observed the following interesting birds mostly on the north side of Henry's lake: Pine grosbeak (1) American tree sparrows (2) first for me at the cabin Pink sided junco (1) Kingfisher (1) Staleys springs Common golden eye (2) Staleys Barrows golden eye (1) fish hatchery on lake White breasted nuthatch (1) up Pittsburg Creek on the north side of the lake. First for me at or near the cabin. Snow buntings (n) several flocks around the lake Bald eagles a pair at the fish hatchery which had thousands of cutthroat to feast on. I saw one carrying a large fish. Bald eagles were also Staleys Numerous common birds were present including stellars jays, clark's nutcrackers, both species of chickadees, American goldfinches and cassin's finches. I also saw a dead owl in front of the Hungry Bear Store on Henry's Lake Flats. It was either a barn owl or a snowy owl. I wouldn't think a barn owl would be around here this time of year. I was going 70 so I didn't stop. Gar Lorain, Boise, ID Subject: Latilong Web Site Changes From: Cliff and Lisa Weisse <cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:06:24 -0700 I just uploaded some changes that address the concerns raised by the recent discussion of the American White Pelican at Ashton and its status as "Overwintering". Hopefully these changes will eliminate confusion over the status designation. Thanks to all who made comments and please let me know if you have any further suggestions for ways to improve the web site. Cliff -- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com Subject: Henry's Lake From: "loraingarwin" <loraingarwin AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:17:54 -0000 Between Feb 24 and March 1 I observed the following interesting birds mostly on the north side of Henry's lake: Pine grosbeak (1) American tree sparrows (2) first for me at the cabin Pink sided junco (1) Kingfisher (1) Staleys springs Common golden eye (2) Staleys Barrows golden eye (1) fish hatchery on lake White breasted nuthatch (1) up Pittsburg Creek on the north side of the lake. First for me at or near the cabin. Snow buntings (n) several flocks around the lake Bald eagles a pair at the fish hatchery which had thousands of cutthroat to feast on. I saw one carrying a large fish. Bald eagles were also Staleys Numerous common birds were present including stellars jays, clark's nutcrackers, both species of chickadees, American goldfinches and cassin's finches. Gar Lorain, Boise, ID Subject: Marsing Green Heron From: "llloydf" <llloydf AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:35:48 -0000 I went to Marsing on Tuesday to give a birding presentation to the Owyhee Gardeners' Club. We arrived early with the hopes of seeing the green heron. Supplied with details from various IBLE posts, we looked along the brushy bank below the restaurant and walked down to the point opposite the third shelter. Time was running out, and we were starting back to the car, when my dad said, "who's that?" We turned to see the green heron flying low over the river several yards in front of us. It flew across the river and landed on the bank just opposite the third shelter. While that wasn't our first green heron sighting, it was the first time we saw one fly. In our previous views, the birds had always been roosting. Inspired by the sighting, I went on to give the presentation to an enthusiastic group. A good time was had by all! Many thanks to the IBLE posters who gave clear directions for finding the green heron. Leanne Lloyd-Fairey Boise Subject: SIBA Field Trip to Owyhee River, OR - 2-27-10 From: "Cheryl Huizinga" <bchuizinga AT cableone.net> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 08:24:36 -0700 Hi Birders, Despite a forecast calling for wind and rain, 15 hardy birders gathered together at Marsing Island Bridge for the start of the SIBA Field Trip to Owyhee River in OR. on Saturday, February 27. And even though SIBA is more of a Canyon Co. club, only two field trippers were from Canyon Co., the rest being from Ada Co. Interesting!! We drove through Owyhee Co. along River Rd. outside of Homedale, stopping whenever a car using the radio would say it was seeing birds. Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese were seen along with more common species. After crossing the stateline into OR. we stopped to scope the Snake River. Common Goldeneyes were plentiful. Black-capped Chickadees and a Downy Woodpecker were seen also. After turning onto Overstreet we headed towards the Owyhee River. We stopped at Snively Hot Springs and were confronted by a lot of trash. I will never, ever, understand how people can trash public outdoor areas. Perhaps the reason lay in the mind-numbing consumption of what was contained in most of the cans and bottles we picked up. That would be better to understand than if it was just plain apathy. Suffice it to say that the birders left the area a lot cleaner than they found it! On up the river we stopped to see several species of ducks on the river and at one stop heard Chukars. Two juvenile Bald Eagles were in one tree tearing away at fish in their talons and a Golden Eagle soared over at one point. At least a dozen Say's Phoebe were seen up and down the river. We made it to McGinnis Park at the base of Owyhee Dam for lunch and everyone got great looks at the Barrow's Goldeneye which hang out in the river there. A Canyon Wren was also very visible and vocal along with a lot of Juncos, White-crowned and Song Sparrows actually fly-catching at the many gnats flying. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was up close and personal. After lunch we took a drive above the dam. Not much was on the reservoir except a few Goldeneye. On the way down the radios came in very handy when one car would see a great bird and all would stop to see it also. Bushtits, Cedar Waxwings and a Rock Wren were seen by all this way. We came home by way of Roswell Marsh and a great spy by Letty P. gave us a Northern Goshawk. Many long ribbons of Snow Geese were in the distance and the Great Horned Owl was sitting on its nest on Pet Lane. And those forecasted rain showers and gusty winds? It just drizzled a little on us and there was no wind along the Owyhee River. Turned out to be a perfect day for a field trip. 55 species of birds were seen and some saw Life Birds in Barrow's Goldeneye, Bushtits and Northern Goshawk. Can't get much better than that!! Cheryl Huizinga SIBA Field Trip Leader Subject: Re: Ollie Ironside is a possible virus From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 11:38:48 -0800 (PST) Denise is right ... I was not awake at 3am sending links for Viagra ads to all my friends/colleagues ;-)  I'M VERY SORRY!! Still trying to figure out how to fix it/prevent future occurrences ... thanks for your patience! Jay --- On Tue, 3/2/10, denhug wrote: From: denhug Subject: [IBLE] Ollie Ironside is a possible virus To: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 11:44 AM   Don't open the message from Jay. It takes you to a pharmaceutical site. I don't know if it is a virus but I doubt that Jay sent this message to IBLE. Denise Hughes Subject: IBRC Update From: Cliff and Lisa Weisse <cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:38:39 -0700 Here's the voting results for the latest batch of records processed by IBRC. With the winter season now over (literally and figuratively - it's 40 degrees again in Island Park today) I thought I'd remind everyone to submit reports for any seasonal rarities that were observed (contact information and links to IBRC report forms, etc at end of this message). I also wanted to thank everyone that has already submitted reports for their contributions to our knowledge of avian distribution in Idaho. Cliff >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Accepted in first round (7-0): Broad-winged Hawk 56-B-09 Band-tailed Pigeon 36-B-08 Blue-winged Teal 49-B-08 Black Scoter 26-B-08 Black Scoter 45-B-08 Short-billed Dowitcher 19-B-04 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 9-B-92 Hoary Redpoll 72-B-07 Hoary Redpoll 100-B-07 Accepted in second round: Yellow-throated Warbler 6-B-01 (7-0) Red-shouldered Hawk 40-B-09 (7-0) Band-tailed Pigeon 6-B-88 (7-0) Red-shouldered Hawk 29-B-07 (6-1) Not Accepted in second round: Broad-winged hawk 64-B-09 (1-6) Not Accepted in third round: Red-breasted Sapsucker 20-B-09 (3-4) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -Report rarities to the Idaho Bird Records Committee via the online form at: http://www.idahobirds.net/ibrc/rarebirdreportform.html or you can email your report to rarebirdreport AT idahobirds.net -Helpful tips for preparing your report can be found in this article: http://www.idahobirds.net/ibrc/documentation.html -Don't forget to check the Review List before taking the time to prepare a report: http://www.idahobirds.net/ibrc/reviewspecies.html -You can contact the Secretary via email at this address: secretary AT idahobirds.net -As always you can email any Committee member with questions. Addresses can be found here: http://www.idahobirds.net/ibrc/members.html -- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com Subject: Ollie Ironside is a possible virus From: "denhug" <idahobirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:44:59 -0000 Don't open the message from Jay. It takes you to a pharmaceutical site. I don't know if it is a virus but I doubt that Jay sent this message to IBLE. Denise Hughes Subject: Ollie Ironside From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 02:00:06 -0800 (PST) http://iskeea.com/chlo.html Subject: Spring Mtn Activity From: Richard Rusnak <rarusnak62 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 19:35:36 -0700 Greetings All, Just back from a snowshoe yurt trip to the Banner Ridge area near Lowman. Heard 2 Barred Owls (? nesting/pair bonding activity) Also lots of activity during the day light hours. IE Mtn chickadees, red Brst Nuthatches, Ravens, Clarks Nut crackers etc, all preping for nesting season? Enjoy Spring! Adios, Rich Rusnak, Nampa On Mar 1, 2010, at 7:22 PM, Lew & Connie Ulrey wrote: > > This morning from the far reaches of the neighborhood I heard a robin’s whinny. That is the closest I have been to recording this species in this part of town this year. Usually in February there are lots of them. I have a photo from a recent year showing about 10 robins perched around the rim of my bird bath. I can recall one February day not so long ago when there were so many robins in the yard that I just gave up on counting and recorded 100. Things are certainly different this year. > > Lew Ulrey > > Boise > > lulrey AT cableone.net > > > > > Subject: American Robin From: "Lew & Connie Ulrey" <lulrey AT cableone.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 19:22:58 -0700 This morning from the far reaches of the neighborhood I heard a robin's whinny. That is the closest I have been to recording this species in this part of town this year. Usually in February there are lots of them. I have a photo from a recent year showing about 10 robins perched around the rim of my bird bath. I can recall one February day not so long ago when there were so many robins in the yard that I just gave up on counting and recorded 100. Things are certainly different this year. Lew Ulrey Boise lulrey AT cableone.net Subject: 2010 Ada County Big Year List From: "Lew & Connie Ulrey" <lulrey AT cableone.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 19:13:41 -0700 Hello everyone, Here are the latest additions to the Ada County Big Year List: 105 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2/27 Hidden Hollow Landfill Jay Carlisle 106 Common Grackle 2/28 E. Victory Rd. between Vista & Fed Way, Boise Mark Collie 107 Brown-headed Cowbird 2/28 Boise Ave. & Holden Ave., Boise Mark Collie 108 Ring-necked Pheasant 2/19 Avimor--Spring Valley Creek Greenbelt Robert Mortensen 109 Bushtit 2/18 SR Birds of Prey NCA--River Canyon Trail E. Trailhead Hawke DeCamp 110 Sage Sparrow 2/28 Canyon rim above Swan Falls RL Rowland Lew Ulrey Boise lulrey AT cableone.net Subject: Idaho Birder: Scott Tuthill From: "Robert Mortensen" <robert.mortensen AT suncorid.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 08:44:30 -0700 Today's Idaho Birder Profile features Scott Tuthill of Boise whose favorite bird sightings seem to always come after climbing a big hill. It seems like the struggle always makes the sighting more valuable. He's been able to go birding close to both the north and south poles. Read more about him and his birding experiences at http://avimor.blogspot.com. Mike Morrison and Al Larson will be featured in the next two weeks. I hope you'll come back each week for these inspiring spotlights on Idaho's great birders. If you've missed any past interviews click here for the index: http://avimor.blogspot.com/p/idaho-birder-profiles.html Happy Birding! ---------------------------------- Robert Mortensen Avimor Birding Blog 208-939-0343 office 208-921-1202 mobile robert.mortensen AT suncorID.com Subject: File - IBLE Guidelines.txt From: ible AT yahoogroups.com Date: 1 Mar 2010 09:16:28 -0000 We function in an unmoderated mode, and generally everything is pleasant and courteous. We have no official charter or list of rules, but do try to operate under the following general guidelines. 1) All messages are to be signed by the poster, using his/her real name. Along with the name, it is considered good practice to also show your e-mail address, and city from which you post. 2) Messages reporting sightings, should also provide at least minimal information as to where the sighting took place, i.e., State, County, City/Town. Major birding destinations such as Deer Flat NWR, Minidoka NWR, American Falls Reservoir, etc. may be adequate in some situations. However, if the sighting is expected to generate interest sufficient to have other birders travel to view the bird, more detailed directions should be provided, or the name and contact info for someone willing to supply such directions on request. 3) Messages concerning caged birds, feral cats, etc. are strongly discouraged. 4) Messages conveying derogatory statements about any other person, a person's occupation or motives are strictly forbidden, and will be cause for one's membership to be suspended or even terminated for severe or repeated offenses. 5) It is permissible to post digital images to the list, but not more than 1 or 2 at a time and not in excess of 150K total. More extensive collections should be posted to the "Photos" section of the IBLE website. Contact the listowner, if you need more details. Again, enjoy your membership on IBLE, and we look forward to reading your contributions to the group. Cliff Weisse, owner/moderator cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com Island Park, ID Jane Westervelt, owner/moderator jwestervelt AT live.com Moscow, ID Subject: Final Raptor Count From: "lcarrigan_55" <lcarrigan_55 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:43:57 -0000 Finished my backyard raptor count today with totals of: 25 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 1 N. Harrier, 1 Golden Eagle and 14 Bald Eagles. I was careful to avoid counting those birds that seemed to linger more than once and the totals are those birds which were heading, determined fashion, in a constant direction. Brian Carrigan Blackfoot Subject: Sage Sparrow in Ada Co. From: rowlandrl AT aol.com Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:38:29 EST "ible", RL here. Found a single singing male Sage Sparrow today, Sunday, 28 Feb 10. Usual spot near the power substation overlooking the canyon at Swan Falls, Ada Co., Latilong 17. Good Birding. RL>< Subject: Marsing/Fort Boise From: Danette Henderson <danette444 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:05:43 -0700 Hi all, Wow, what a gorgeous sunny day. We went to Marsing, at the park we looked for the Green Heron but no luck today. We did see: Orange Crowned Warbler (2) Yellow-rumped Warbler GB Herons Marsh Wren House Finch N Flicker Pied billed Grebe Eurasian Collared Dove (2) Rock Dove We then drove over to Fort Boise. Just before Parma we saw 2 Northern Harriers doing some amazing acrobatics. We were excited to hear all the geese on the ponds as we pulled up. Within minutes something bugged them and thousands took flight. The Greater White Fronted were also present, in much lower numbers. What a beautiful sight! In the Russian Olives near the river we saw: Cooper's Hawk Sharp Shinned Hawk Yellow-rumped Warbler DE Juncos Cedar Waxwing Bald Eagle Black capped Chickadee Song Sparrow Marsh Wren White-crowned Sparrow Red-tailed Hawk Northern Harrier N Flicker Happy Spring, Danette Henderson Boise Subject: Possible Early Swainson's Hawk From: "Lynn Davenport" <sofabird AT clearwire.net> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:19:34 -0000 I was comparing spotting scopes with one of my son-in-laws today when a couple of hawks entered our view. We were glassing the fields and trees at the Eastern edge of Deer Flat NWR on Tio Lane. They soon went down behind some trees and we lost our best view. Every few minutes we'd catch another look at them as they were moving away. The most distinguishing field marks were the light colored leading edges of the wings and the dark wing feathers. When I did see their tails I saw no color and they were too far away to make a positive ID. We got into a vehicle and tried to follow them, but with no luck. Keep on the lookout for a possible early Swainson's. Subject: Large Raptor Push From: "lcarrigan_55" <lcarrigan_55 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:07:59 -0000 This AM, I've been watching a large push of raptors through my area. So far, I've counted 17 Red-tailed Hawks (2 were dark-phase), 1 Harlan's, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 1 Golden Eagle and 7 Bald Eagles. Additionally, I've seen more Ravens in my immediate area near the Snake River than ever (usually see crows), with a total of 7 counted, mostly harassing the Bald Eagles. Also have had 3500 Canada Geese come overhead. They all must be enjoying the sunshine as much as me! Brian Carrigan Blackfoot Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boise dump [1 Attachment] From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:14:15 -0800 (PST) oops ... not sure what I hit to send the previous message prematurely ;-) I joined Heidi, Danette, & Iris at the Ada Co dump (Hidden Hollow Landfill) today at about 1045.  Lots of gulls (> 2,000), mostly California but many Ring-bills, 15+ Herring, and the lingering 2nd-W Glaucous.  We also saw the continuing 'Iceland'-like 1st-W bird that Cliff, Darren, and Steve first found in late Jan. At about 1245 we then found an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (see attached pic), first bathing in a puddle then sleeping/resting on the ground.  Maybe the cleanest bill I've yet seen on this species in Idaho ... Cheers, Jay Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Boise dump [1 Attachment] From: Jay Carlisle <carlislejay AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:04:11 -0800 (PST) IBLE I joined Subject: Re: Rare? Redhead in Salmon From: "Shirley Sturts" <shirley.sturts AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:42:38 -0800 According to records I've gathered for the Idaho Bird Distribution database winter records the Redhead is Uncommon (Latilong 21,22), common(Latilong 2,4,17, 25,26,27) to abundant (latilong 1)and absent or rare in other latilongs. I have only one winter record for Latilong 10: 19 Dec 1995 - 3 were reported on the Salmon CBC. http://www.idahobirds.net/distribution/maps/redh.html Shirley Sturts Coeur d'Alene, ID ----- Original Message ----- From: "Terry Gray" To: "cliffkeene" ; Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 03:58 PM Subject: RE: [IBLE] Rare? Redhead in Salmon > Hi Everyone, > > Some years with winters like this one I see large rafts of > Redhead Ducks on > Lake Pend Oreille near the Sandpoint City Beach. I have not > been up there > this winter so not sure what is happening in the panhandle. > > Terry > -----Original Message----- > From: ible AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:ible AT yahoogroups.com]On > Behalf Of > cliffkeene > Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:22 PM > To: ible AT yahoogroups.com > Subject: [IBLE] Rare? Redhead in Salmon > > > > > Ible Folks, > > This message was primarily aimed at some folks in Salmon that > may not be > aware of all the available bird links, but I thought I'd > forward it to IBLE > unedited. > > On Feb. 13 & 15 of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) we saw > a single > Redhead (duck) with a flock of 20 or more Mallards. I didn't' > think much of > it until I tried to enter the data and discovered it was a > "GBBC Rarity" for > Idaho (at least for this time of year). > > For those near Salmon, interested in getting an early bird-list > entry, we > saw it on the south end of the "Island Park", about 200 yards > south of the > new pedestrian bridge over the east channel. However yesterday > (Feb 24) my > wife saw it just north of the Hwy 93 bridge (east channel), > still with a > flock of Mallards. She checked it closely with the spotting > scope this time. > > Redheads are listed as NOT occurring in winter in our area in > both the > latest "Birds of the Upper Salmon Basin Checklist", and the > book "Birds of > East Central Idaho". Both the checklist and book are available > at most local > Forest Service, BLM, and Idaho Fish & Game Offices. There is no > current > on-line version of this checklist that I'm aware of. There have > been quite a > few changes in the list, but an earlier version is available > on-line at: > http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/chekbird/r1/salmon.htm > (It also > shows Redheads absent in the winter.) > > I guess the rarity of this bird is debatable. Currently on > 02/25/2010 there > are only these two GBBC Redhead sightings in Idaho. At: > http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/statelinks - click on > "Idaho" and > "Redhead" to see if that's still the case. The nearest > sightings are near > Spokane, WA, Big Fork, MT and Logan & SLC, UT. Here's the link > to the map: > http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/maproom?cmd=OneMapDisplay&sppOrder=alpha > &species=redhea&year=2010®ion=NR&submit.x=50&submit.y=13 - > However if you > click on the "Multi-year animation" link you WILL see that the > species was > reported in Idaho in previous years. > > There are several January 2010 reports in the Idaho Birders > "County Big Year > Report" at: > http://www.idahobirds.net/reports/idaho/counties/2010countycumulative.html > > The bird IS listed as an Idaho (statewide) "Resident" in the > latest (2007) > on-line Idaho Bird list at: > http://www.idahobirds.net/ID_Checklist.pdf > > Salmon is in the Idaho Birding "Lat/Long" Number 10, and the > Redhead is > listed as occurring in at least part of the winter months. > Indicated by the > purple color on the following map: > http://www.idahobirds.net/distribution/maps/redh.html > For more Lat/Long Info go to: > http://www.idahobirds.net/distribution/dist_index.html > > Good Birding, > /s/ Cliff > > > > Subject: Re: more on the GBBC filters From: Cliff and Lisa Weisse <cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:54:18 -0700 I just checked eBird data for the past 5 years and there are no Redhead records for the central region during winter. I also checked the Latilong database and the only place showing winter records is L10. Lewiston and Boise are the closest locations that have reports. If anyone has seen Redheads during Dec/Jan/Feb in the central region I'd appreciate it if you'd drop me a quick note, especially if you regularly bird the region and have a feel for how rare (or not) Redhead is in the area. Thanks. Cliff Charles Swift wrote: > > OK, Cliff Weisse says the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count) now uses > the eBird data filters and the central Idaho counties filter applies > to Salmon. So I guess the question is are Redheads rare in the central > counties in winter?? Probably not too much open water away from rivers > in the winter. > > The GBBC data filters used to be based on Bird Conservation Regions > (BCRs), see http://www.nabci-us.org/map.html > for more information. which is a > much coarser level so it's good that they are using the eBird filters > now (which are also easy to update). > -- > Charles Swift > Moscow, ID > chaetura AT gmail.com > -- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho cliffandlisa AT octobersetters.com Subject: Re: Rare? Redhead in Salmon From: "Mike Munts" <mmunts AT atcnet.net> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:09:03 -0700 This string demonstrates how interesting (and fun) Idaho birding can be. I have had the privilege to visit and observe birds in all 44 counties. I have said the Idaho is one of the most complex and ecologically diverse states. Some may argue but I would suggest that only California can rival it. From the alpine tundra of the Selkirk Mountains to the deserts of the Snake River Basin few areas of comparable size have such diversity of habitats and hence birds. What is rare in one part of Idaho is abundant in another. So happy birding our great state, whichever corner you are in. Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: Charles Swift To: Ible AT Yahoogroups.Com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 8:43 PM Subject: Re: [IBLE] Rare? Redhead in Salmon What Cliff has found here is a problem with GBBC data filter for Redhead. Just like the eBird data filters these are created by hand (usually spread sheets) and errors are possible and refinements need to be made over time. Also I'm not sure if the data filters apply statewide, based on ecoregion or some other geographic area but it might not be relevant that they are common in some other part of the state (for e.g. there are 3 eBird filters for Idaho, north, southwest, and east). Should be easy to figure out how to fix though. Charles. On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 6:59 PM, Mike Munts wrote: Redheads are definitely not rare in Idaho at least in the Panhandle lake country. I lived in Bonner County for 28 years and was able to participate in the first 10 Sandpoint CBCs until I moved to Southern Idaho in the spring of 1998. In the late 80s and most of the 90s it was common to see rafts of Redheads with more than a ten thousand on Pend Oreille. I seem to recall we always had several thousand on those CBCs. I remember at least one mid-winter waterfowl count around 95 or 96 when we had over 100,000 Redheads. Throw in a hundred thousand or so coots and Pend Oreille has some of the largest waterfowl concentrations I have ever seen. Even if it was only 2 species. In those days it was estimated that around 40% of all Redheads in the Pacific Flyway wintered on Pend Oreille. I have watched the CBC results and know that numbers have declined a bit in recent years but I would hardly consider a bird that occurs in the tens of thousands rare. Sandpoint CBC counts for the last six years are 1017, 6350, 12446, 3637, 12500, 10500. The numbers will fluctuate greatly depending on weather and freezout in Canada. By the way, I was up there for Christmas Eve dinner a couple of months ago and there a couple of hundred on the lake even next to the Long Bridge (hwy 95). Even on Coeur d' Alene Lake the were several Redheads over Christmas. Mike Munts Arco From: Terry Gray To: cliffkeene ; ible AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:58 PM Subject: RE: [IBLE] Rare? Redhead in Salmon Hi Everyone, Some years with winters like this one I see large rafts of Redhead Ducks on Lake Pend Oreille near the Sandpoint City Beach. I have not been up there this winter so not sure what is happening in the panhandle. Terry -----Original Message----- From: ible AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:ible AT yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of cliffkeene Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:22 PM To: ible AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [IBLE] Rare? Redhead in Salmon Ible Folks, This message was primarily aimed at some folks in Salmon that may not be aware of all the available bird links, but I thought I'd forward it to IBLE unedited. On Feb. 13 & 15 of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) we saw a single Redhead (duck) with a flock of 20 or more Mallards. I didn't' think much of it until I tried to enter the data and discovered it was a "GBBC Rarity" for Idaho (at least for this time of year). For those near Salmon, interested in getting an early bird-list entry, we saw it on the south end of the "Island Park", about 200 yards south of the new pedestrian bridge over the east channel. However yesterday (Feb 24) my wife saw it just north of the Hwy 93 bridge (east channel), still with a flock of Mallards. She checked it closely with the spotting scope this time. Redheads are listed as NOT occurring in winter in our area in both the latest "Birds of the Upper Salmon Basin Checklist", and the book "Birds of East Central Idaho". Both the checklist and book are available at most local Forest Service, BLM, and Idaho Fish & Game Offices. There is no current on-line version of this checklist that I'm aware of. There have been quite a few changes in the list, but an earlier version is available on-line at: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/chekbird/r1/salmon.htm (It also shows Redheads absent in the winter.) I guess the rarity of this bird is debatable. Currently on 02/25/2010 there are only these two GBBC Redhead sightings in Idaho. At: http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/statelinks - click on "Idaho" and "Redhead" to see if that's still the case. The nearest sightings are near Spokane, WA, Big Fork, MT and Logan & SLC, UT. Here's the link to the map: http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/maproom?cmd=OneMapDisplay&sppOrder=alpha&species=redhea&year=2010®ion=NR&submit.x=50&submit.y=13 – However if you click on the "Multi-year animation" link you WILL see that the species was reported in Idaho in previous years. There are several January 2010 reports in the Idaho Birders "County Big Year Report" at: http://www.idahobirds.net/reports/idaho/counties/2010countycumulative.html The bird IS listed as an Idaho (statewide) "Resident" in the latest (2007) on-line Idaho Bird list at: http://www.idahobirds.net/ID_Checklist.pdf Salmon is in the Idaho Birding "Lat/Long" Number 10, and the Redhead is listed as occurring in at least part of the winter months. Indicated by the purple color on the following map: http://www.idahobirds.net/distribution/maps/redh.html For more Lat/Long Info go to: http://www.idahobirds.net/distribution/dist_index.html Good Birding, /s/ Cliff -- Charles Swift Moscow, ID chaetura AT gmail.com