BirdaPalousa Blog Update

Well it's been a while since I've posted (over a year by the look of it!). It's been a pretty busy year but I will try to remedy the lack of posts soon. In the meantime I just wanted to mention that I have added an eBird gadget to my blog that will show a week's worth of eBird posts in the Moscow-Pullman area (basically any within a 50Km radius of Moscow). This is something I've been wanting to do for a while especially with the imminent demise of iGoogle which is the only other place to host these kinds of gadgets. If there is interest I will add gadgets for other nearby areas (or perhaps add them to a web site if I ever get around to setting that up!). Thanks for reading!

UI Dairy (over the past week) & misc. Moscow sightings

Hi All - 

I've been checking the UI Dairy ponds (behind the Palouse Mall on the west side of Moscow) for water/shorebirds every few days over the past week. There is decent mud here although not as good as last summer when a leaky pipe created an attractive muddy area above one of the ponds. It's not Mann Lake but is < 10 minutes from my house so fits into my schedule (and importantly my family's schedule!). A scope is very helpful here.

I've listed below species of interest (mostly waterbirds) and not including the regular group of Mallards and Canada Geese. The Aug. 12 Cliff Swallow, a presumed migrant, gets me up to 100 species for the year for my eBird Moscow "Patch List".

On the migrant front I've continued to have a few Yellow Warblers around my yard (perhaps the same ones lingering) and this morning a couple of Wilson's Warblers. There were also a few Wilson's Warblers at the UI Arboretum late this morning and a Belted Kingfisher departing the Arboretum going north perhaps headed for Paradise Ck. just the other side of campus.

thanks, Charles.

U. of Idaho Dairy ponds:

August 6

Killdeer 36 (highest of several careful counts, many resting on mud in the heat)

Spotted Sandpiper 2

Semipalmated Sandpiper 1

Western Sandpiper 1

August 8

Cinnamon Teal 8 

Killdeer 1

Spotted Sandpiper 4

Long-billed Dowitcher 1 (worn breeding plumage)

Western Sandpiper 2

Least Sandpiper 1

August 10

Northern Pintail 1

Cinnamon Teal 10 

Killdeer 4

Spotted Sandpiper 1

Greater Yellowlegs 1 

Baird's Sandpiper 1

Western Sandpiper 1

Least Sandpiper 1

August 12

Northern Shoveler 9

Cinnamon Teal 10 

Killdeer 5

Spotted Sandpiper 2

Greater Yellowlegs 2 

Baird's Sandpiper 1

Western Sandpiper 1

Cliff Swallow 1

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Joel BBS route (Nez Perce & Latah Cos.), 6/24/12

Hi All - 

I ran the Joel Breeding Bird Survey Sunday morning which is a bit later in the month than I usually run it but there was still plenty of bird song (which accounts for the bulk of observations on most BBS routes). BBS's are comprised of 50 3 minute point counts at .5 mile intervals along a 25 mile route.The Joel BBS starts down on the Clearwater R. and comes up Coyote Grade then proceeding east on Genesee-Julietta Rd. and north on Lenville Rd. up on to the Palouse. Traversing this elevation gradient and its variety of habitats results in a nice diversity of species despite a number of stops in agricultural areas. I usually start at ~4:30 AM (was a bit late today) with nighthawks, Rock Wrens, Western Kingbirds, etc. in the canyon and end at ~9:30 AM (again a bit later today) with Eastern Kingbirds, Tree Swallows, etc. on the grassland. Interesting birds found at various stops include Willow Flycatcher, Western Flycatcher, Veery, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Bullock's Oriole among others. 

Every year is a bit different and I usually find a few uncommon species (for the route) along with the regulars. The only trend I've noticed in ~10 years of doing this is the increase in Lesser Goldfinches although there is a fair amount of inter-annual variation especially in the small forest patches. In addition to all the birds I almost always have some cool experiences in the way of mammals, weather, and scenery, etc. such as a cow Moose (Alces alces) Sunday along Genesee-Julietta Rd. which is a first in ~10 years of doing this BBS. (Just as a side note I saw a cow and calf moose at the upper end of Payette Lake just this morning.)   

Of interest on Sunday were 2 different Brewer's Sparrows (a first for the route I think) in somewhat atypical habitat. They were in shrubby areas at the edge of wheat fields along Lenville Rd. and Genesee-Juliaetta Rd. They sang short songs so after the I finished the point count I played my iPod which elicited a response from each. (No coaxing allowed on point counts but can be used post-count to confirm an individual identity.) It seems to me Brewer's have showed up in atypical habitat later in June some years perhaps as a result of drought(?) elsewhere so could be worth keeping an eye/ear open for them. I wish I could post a route summary but will have to wait until the data are processed and ready for final review (something the BBS folks could probably improve if they had the time/money to do so!).

thanks, Charles.

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

McCall, New Meadows, and vicinity sightings

Hi All -

I'm staying in McCall at the UI McCall Campus & Outdoor Science School (MOSS) while doing field work and have finally had a chance to do some birding around town.

A couple evenings ago (5/30) I heard (but didn't see) a loon out on the lake and there was an impressive group (120+) of Western Grebes across the lake from here. There are still a number of grebes on the lake as of today but much diminished. 

I'd noted on eBird that E. Collared-Doves are now in town and indeed saw a pair on the south side of town last evening. (I suspect every town between here and Moscow and perhaps south to Boise as well now have this species).

This morning I checked the city beach and vicinity and had a Say's Phoebe, a Wilson's Warbler, and 2 Brewer's Sparrows. These were all obvious migrants w/ the phoebe and sparrows being of particular interest. I suspect the beach/Brown's Park area of McCall (& perhaps elsewhere in town) may have potential as a migrant trap due to its location on the lake and habitat oasis characteristic (not in the sense that it's good habitat but that it's different from the surrounding extensive conifer forest).

It's nice to have 4 species of swallows seemingly nesting right on the lake shore in town (Tree, Violet-green, Barn, and Cliff w/ Rough-winged also a possibility). Also fun to have Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers seemingly omnipresent in town! The sewage ponds on the south side of McCall had among other waterfowl RN Ducks and 5 Barrow's Goldeneye (New Meadows also had BAGO a few days ago) - I guess a few must nest around here (RNDU likely nest at Ponderosa SP). Also had the final 2 swallow species - Rough-winged and Bank here as well as a Wilson's Phalarope.

Field work has been good and we've found 8 woodpecker nests including a Pileated yesterday (also 4 Hairy & 3 Flicker so far). We're using Tree Top Peepers to view inside the nest cavities and are finding the nests are at various stages (e.g. HAWO range from 0 eggs - 4 young) and the PIWO had 2 lanky young along w/ Mama all crammed into the cavity! We have localized a White-headed Woodpecker pair but just can't find the nest. Also yesterday w/ found a White-breasted Nuthatch nest w/ 4 young and our most numerous cavity nester so far Red-breasted Nuthatch w/ ~10 identified nest trees and more likely. One of my crew is really into owls and has found a good number of Flammulated Owls in the area we are working south of New Meadows. We are hoping to eventually locate 1 or 2 Flam. nests. I will post updates and eventually some photos as I have time.

thanks, Charles.

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Fwd: eBird Report - Tolo Lake, May 25, 2012

Hi All - 

I stopped at Tolo Lk on my way home from McCall last evening and found a nice variety of (mostly) waterbirds. Highlights 6 each Eared Grebes and Red-necked Phalaropes and a single Black Tern. A pair of Ospreys are using the the platform. There were several hundred swallows foraging in the cool breezy conditions - all Tree and Bank as far as I could tell.

I also noted a Eurasian Collared-Doves along US 95 at Cottonwood and Whitebird (they are also now apparently in McCall  not surprisingly).

thanks, Charles.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Sat, May 26, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Tolo Lake, May 25, 2012
To: chaetura@gmail.com


Tolo Lake, Idaho, US-ID
May 25, 2012 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     Nice variety of mostly waterbirds - 24 spp total. Highlights Eared Grebe, Red-neck Phalarope, Black Tern, hundreds of swallows.
24 species

Wood Duck  1
Gadwall  2
Mallard  5
Blue-winged Teal  1
Cinnamon Teal  1
Green-winged Teal  2
Ring-necked Duck  5
Bufflehead  2
Ruddy Duck  10
Eared Grebe  6
Western Grebe  5
Osprey  2     Individual on platform (female?) and 2nd bird in area attending (male?).
American Coot  150
Red-necked Phalarope  6
Black Tern  1
Black-billed Magpie  1
American Crow  1
Common Raven  1
Tree Swallow  100
Bank Swallow  150
Yellow-rumped Warbler  3
Song Sparrow  2
Western Meadowlark  1
Yellow-headed Blackbird  4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Fwd: eBird Report - *Moscow - UI Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, May 1, 2012

Howdy - 

A follow-up to my report yesterday I was able to get back over and check the Arboretum more thoroughly but not much in addition to report (eBird list below). I did end up finding 3 empidonax flycatchers, 2 Hammond's and a Dusky. I also realized I had muffed the one reported earlier (was Hammond's not Dusky) totally expected for the first empid of the season! My handy iPod helped me sort out the calls - highly recommend these for simply refreshing one's memory on vocalizations in the field (and as the occasional attractant). There was also a nice "Myrtle" Warbler mixed in the flock of "Audubon's" - nice to find here in the spring. I missed Terry's Brewer's which would have been a nice add to my Moscow patch list (~175 species).

Also finally a hummer in our yard last evening, female Calliope and ~40 noisy White-crowned Sparrows in the yard this morning in chilly Moscow (37 F now w/ some occasional light sleet and snow showers).

We are off to southeast Florida on Saturday which will provide a nice change of scenery, weather, and avifauna!

thanks, Charles.

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Wed, May 2, 2012 at 8:52 AM
Subject: eBird Report - *Moscow - UI Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, May 1, 2012
To: chaetura@gmail.com


*Moscow - UI Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Latah, US-ID
May 1, 2012 10:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
23 species

Canada Goose  16
Mallard  2
California Quail  6
Ring-necked Pheasant  1
Cooper's Hawk  1
Swainson's Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon  11
Vaux's Swift  3
Calliope Hummingbird  2
Northern Flicker  2
Hammond's Flycatcher  2
Dusky Flycatcher  1
Common Raven  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  10
American Robin  10
European Starling  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1     Clean white throat wrapping under auriculars.
Song Sparrow  1
White-crowned Sparrow  10
Red-winged Blackbird  2
House Finch  10
Pine Siskin  6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Moscow area birds 4/21-22/12 (& eBird breeding codes)

Good morning - 

I had nice walks around my east Moscow neighborhood this and yesterday mornings w/ ~20 spp. on each thus netting me my "20 bird minimum daily requirement" for each day (see: http://tinyurl.com/7pbmaxf). Links to my eBird lists are below. 

Notables included American Kestrel (nesting several blocks away), Red-naped Sapsucker (foy), Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orange-crowned Warbler (foy), White-crowned sparrows, Evening Grosbeak (foy). We now have at least 2 territorial Eurasian Collared-Doves within calling distance of our house (not sure what to think about that!). 

Last evening I spent several hours owling in the Kendrick-Juliaetta area (se Latah Co.) along the Potlatch R. Only Great Horned Owl to show for my efforts but enjoyed the warm evening and choruses of Pacific Tree Frogs which were widespread and calling loudly. On the way I stopped at to check the Syringa wasterwater ponds east of Moscow and had a bunch of waterfowl - 100+ individuals of 8 spp.

I've been adding breeding codes to my eBird checklists as I find evidence for breeding this spring. This is a fairly new feature in eBird and has potential to generate lots of useful information. Many states have conducted Breeding Bird Atlases (e.g. Oregon about 10 years ago) but Idaho and Washington have not. You should be able to see the breeding codes and description in my checklists. I've included a link to the eBird tutorial on breeding codes below that.

thanks, Charles.

eBird lists:

4/21 Neighborhood: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S10509952

4/21 Syringa Wastewater Ponds: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S10514594

4/22 Neighborhood: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S10514560

eBird breeding code tutorial here:

http://ebird.org/content/ebird/about/breeding-codes 

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

eBird google gadget (shows recent report and rarities)

If you use Google's iGoogle web portal (handy if you use gmail and other Google apps) you might want to check out this useful eBird gadget written by an avid young eBirder from MI
- described on his blog here: http://birdventure.blogspot.com/p/ebird-recent-sightings-gadget.html

You can get it directly from Google here: http://www.google.com/ig/directory?url=hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/101708404408406792358/Recent_Bird_Sightings.xml

eBird has it's own Google gadget available here (but this functionality is included in the above gadget): http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/Google_Gadget.html

You will need to enter some information such as the latilong coordinates of your home town (e.g. Moscow = 46.7300,-117.0000) which are easily attainable from the Web and the area you are interested in (I'd start w/ something like 30 km and alter as needed, too big an area may produce many records that may not be of interest).

Even if you don't use gmail etc. you can get a free Google account and run the iGoogle portal on one of your web browser tabs. There are lots of other useful gadgets that can be installed such as weather, news, Facebook, etc.


--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Triumph Rosy-Finches & redpolls, 12/29/11

We're over in Hailey for the week and stopped by Triumph Thursday AM (~ 5 miles up the East Fork Rd. between Hailey and Ketchum). There was a nice mixed flock of Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches at the feeders and trees just before Victor Dr. Typical for Rosy-Finches they were pretty skittish but I got some good looks at these gaudy birds (best look ever at Black Rosy-Finches). There were also a few Common Redpolls and others here as well. Would have spent more time in the area but we were on our way up Galena Lodge to play in the snow.

At Galena on the ski trails I had a nice mixed flock of Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglets and later a calling Clark's Nutracker. What a great area and the best snow locally w/ the high snow levels (although there is snow in Hailey this morning). We're heading back to Boise today and hope to stop at the TNC Silver Creek Preserve on the way.

Happy New Year!

Charles.

 

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Moscow-Pullman CBC, west Moscow Mountain, 12/17/11

Hi All - 

Tom Besser and I (and Lee Anne Eareckson for a while in the AM) covered the west side of Moscow Mountain for the Moscow-Pullman CBC today. What a great day! Tom and I hiked almost 8 miles round trip up to Paradise Pt. making a more or less straight shot from pond 9 to Paradise Pt. and returning via the road (shown as Foothill Rd. on maps but really a logging road down to Tolo Trail). There are lots of birds on Moscow Mountain in winter! Highlights were 3 Pine Grosbeaks, a Pileated Woodpecker, a N. Pygmy Owl, and lots of chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, and Pine Siskins. It will be interesting to compare some of these totals w/ previous year counts. The conditions were ideal this year with good weather and little snow and lots of birds.

thanks,

Charles.

Ruffed Grouse  1

Red-tailed Hawk  2

Great Horned Owl 1
Northern Pygmy-Owl  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  2
Pileated Woodpecker  1
Common Raven 4
Black-capped Chickadee  7

Mountain Chickadee  27
Chestnut-backed Chickadee  67     - multiple large flocks some w/ as many as 15 birds
Red-breasted Nuthatch  39     - 3 or 4 w/ every feeding flock encountered

White-breasted Nuthatch  10   - with 6 different feeding flocks along route (usually in pairs)
Pygmy Nuthatch  5

Brown Creeper  9

Pacific Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  19

Townsend's Solitaire  1
American Robin  3
Bohemian Waxwing  10
Cedar Waxwing  30
Dark-eyed Junco  20

House Finch  1
Pine Grosbeak  3

Red Crossbill  12
Pine Siskin  270 - large flock (~200 or more birds) in clearcut northwest side of Paradise Pt., more in smaller flocks elsewhere)

26 species

start: 6:00 AM

stop 2:30 PM

hours owling - 1

miles owling - 1

(no owls in the AM!)

hours on foot: 7.5

miles on foot: 7.5

3 observers in 1 party

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Moscow yard birds - Blue Jay, Townsend's Solitaire, etc.

All -

I've had a Blue Jay (presumably the same one) in my greater neighborhood for about a month now but not often seen/heard. However, in the past week or so I've seen it 3 times around my house and today it has been present all day (in fact I'm watching it out my window now as I type). 

I also had a Townsend's Solitaire in the yard for a while this morning (also seen through the window I'm looking out now) which was nice. There is often one a couple blocks away in a small patch of junipers but not regularly in the yard. These were part of a nice collection of ~100 or so birds (see below) mostly right around my house present this morning (activity has declined noticeably in the past hour). I had a probable Common Redpoll fly over but couldn't get on it (I had a small flock of redpolls a block away Thanksgiving day).

thanks, Charles.

Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)  1
Blue Jay  1
Common Raven  1
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Mountain Chickadee  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
Townsend's Solitaire  1
American Robin  10
European Starling  5
Cedar Waxwing  8
Dark-eyed Junco  25
House Finch  20
House Sparrow  20

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com

Moscow area (10/7-10/9) birds on the move!

Howdy all - 

A good number of birds have been moving through Moscow since Friday. The large feeding flocks in the maples near my house have been primarily Ruby-crowned Kinglets (RCKI) and Yellow-rumped Warblers (YRWA) but there have also been Dark-eyed Juncos (30+ on 10/8), increasing numbers of American Robins especially overhead and a nice variety of other species mixed in. I've also had my first big flock of Pine Siskins in town this fall with a flock of 50+ here yesterday. Many of these seem to be on the move, for example I had a flock of ~20 RCKI and > 50 YRWA working the maples near my house this morning and within 20 minutes they had moved on. Also as I mentioned many birds are moving overhead especially Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Pine Siskins, and some N. Flickers this morning that appeared to be in active migration. I really enjoy these October migration movements due to the sheer number of birds moving even though earlier in fall migration often produces more variety. Has anybody been to any of the migration traps over the weekend? Seems like they could have productive if this movement is across a broad area.

eBird list 10/8 -  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S8920672

eBird list 10/9 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/email?subID=S8920696

species of interest (all around my neighborhood today and yesterday):

Hammond's Flycatcher - 10/8

Red-naped Sapsucker - 10/9

Cassin's Vireo - 10/8

Orange-crowned Warbler - 10/8 (4) & 10/9 (1)

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 50-70 each day

Townsend's Warbler - 2 this morning (10/9)

Dark-eyed Junco - up to 30

Pine Siskin - flock of 50+ yesterday and more scattered smaller groups

Red Crossbill - 1 on 10/8

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

twitter: chasimoto

Moscow area birds

Hi All - 

I just returned from a fun 10 day family vacation in the Estes Park Colorado area (gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park). I didn't do a lot of birding but when I did I saw some cool birds like White-tailed Ptarmagin, Black Swift, Three-toed Woodpecker, Green-tailed Towhee, Brown-capped Rosy-finch, and the ever present and hard to ignore Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. This is great area for a vacation with great birding options for anyone looking around for such a place.

Back home for a couple days now I did a regular morning survey around my neighborhood yesterday and had a Warbling Vireo, my first "fall" migrant/dispreser  of the season. There is also a locally breeding Western Flycatcher still calling nearby - a pair was nesting right outside my Estes Park Condo and sounded quite different from our local WEFLs. This morning I was able to check the UI Dairy ponds and although shorebird habitat is confined to their weedy margins this habitat is great for Solitary Sandpipers (6) and  a few others were present: 4 Killdeer, 8 Spotted Sandpipers, and a juv. Wilson's Phalarope.

thanks, Charles.

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

twitter: chasimoto

biking Lake Coeur d'Alene, Heyburn SP - Harrison (and back)

Iris and I biked the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes yesterday (7/10/11) with friends going from Heyburn State Park to Harrision (for beach play) and back. There was a nice variety of birds along the trail that I tried to note although this was secondary to biking (and beach play). Most notable were a group of 5 Common Loons (2 adults and 3 immatures) across from Conkling Park, 8 White Pelicans at Heyburn State Park, and a Caspian Tern just on the north side of the bridge in Heyburn State Park (in Benewah Co.). Our friends continued past Harrison north along the trail to Medimont and at some point along here Tom Besser had another Caspian Tern (in Kootenai Co.).

Also along the trail were typical species for the area including at least 10 Double-crested Cormorants, Spotted Sandpipers, lots of swallows (4 species incl. Cliff Swallows nesting on bridge), Western Flycatchers, a few Red-eyed Vireos, Gray Catbirds, lots of Yellow Warblers, Song Sparrows, etc. There is a big log jam on the south side of the Heyburn bridge which had a nice group of Ring-billed and California Gulls. The Common Loon group was interesting and consisted of an adult and 3 immatures in close association and another adult at some distance from the group. I didn't have much time to study these birds but suspect that 2 immatures were 1 year olds (1st summer birds) and the other *may* have been a juvenile. The presence of adults and possibly a juvenile suggest the possibility of local breeding but more observation/research is needed (I may try to get up there again this week).

For anyone into biking (also good for walking) this is a great scenic ride to combine w/ some birding and other summer activities. Camping (and other lodging options) are available at Heyburn SP and further east on trail which extends 72 miles all the way northeast past Wallace into the Silver Valley. There are many segments of the trail that are accessible from various trailheads along the route and provide access o good birding opportunities. For more information: http://friendsofcdatrails.org/CdA_Trail/index.html

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

Moscow - Eastside birds, Jun 10, 2011 (& a few others)

I'm still getting a few apparent migrants here in my east Moscow residential neighborhood with Western Tanager and Lazuli Bunting this morning. Also "Western" Flycatchers finally showed up in my neighborhood in past few days (and on campus at Shattuck on Monday 6/6). I've noticed what I now presume is the same Hammond's Flycatcher in my area for a week now possibly advertising for a mate which is a first for me here. Also still at least 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet singing nearby. My quick morning survey eBird list is below (which I do most mornings if possible).

Some other sightings of interest for the past week (which I've had limited time to post) include a Common Nighthawk roosting in my yard (way cool) on Sunday afternoon (6/5) and a 2 Common Poorwills on private property along the Snake R. south of Lewiston the evening of 6/4. I was still noting some migrant warblers through earlier this week and Monday (6/6) had a couple of Gray Catbirds in the UI Arboretum which are potential breeders at that location.

thanks, Charles.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Moscow - Eastside (My Neighborhood), Latah, US-ID
Jun 10, 2011 7:20 AM - 7:35 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.2 mile(s)
Comments:     Western Flycatchers finally here locally also a few lingering migrants (?). A Hammond's Flycatcher may be on territory.
14 species

California Quail  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hammond's Flycatcher  1
Cordilleran Flycatcher  1
American Crow  6     family group
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
American Robin  6
European Starling  10
Cedar Waxwing  2
Western Tanager  1
Lazuli Bunting  1
House Finch  5
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2 (http://ebird.org)

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

some late (and not late) Moscow migrants on June 1

I had an Orange-crowned Warbler and a female Townsend's Warbler in and around my yard last evening. The Townsend's doesn't seem that unusual but I was quite surprised to see an Orange-crowned wandering around my yard on June 1. Earlier in the morning I had a calling Hammond's Flycatcher (getting a bit late for a migrant I think) and a Wilson's Warbler which on the other hand is not unusual to be migrating into early June (possibly heading way up north to the muskeg of the Yukon or similar exotic locale). No hordes of Western Tanagers this year as in some previous cool wet late spring periods. 

A rainy walk late in the afternoon through the UI Arboreta produced little except for several Calliope Hummingbirds guarding their (presumed) territories from high perches and Golden-crowned Kinglets which seem to regularly nest in the older conifer-dominated Shattuck Arboretum. I was hoping for maybe an Olive-sided Flycatcher which would be expected this late in migration but no luck -perhaps in the next few days though. 

Nothing new (or even much at all) this morning but perhaps when this latest system clears out we will get some more late migrants.

thanks, Charles.

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

Moscow area birds week in review (5/23 - 5/28)

I've been checking my neighborhood most mornings this week for migrants, checked the UI Arboretum one day and noted birds around town and on campus. There has been a thin trickle of migrants during the week as summarized below. A few regular species are still missing locally such as Western Wood-Pewee and Western Flycatcher (both nest in town/campus) but typically are a bit later in town than elsewhere. I've also had no Western Tanagers this week and we typically get a late May push of this species - especially noticeable when we have cool, wet weather at the end of the month. Also of interest in town were a pair of Western Kingbirds at the UI Dairy  on 5/24 (although they usually nest just to the north near the UI Sheep Farm) and a Say's Phoebe at the medical campus above the old Moscow Wal-Mart (although they probably nest most years just to the south at the UI Cow barns). Finally I had a couple more Lesser Goldfinches along Paradise Creek on the southeast side of campus n 5/25.

Dusky Flycatcher - several

Hammond's Flycatcher - several

Warbling Vireo - most days (possibly some are local breeders)

Cassin's Vireo - 5/27

Yellow Warbler - most days, probably all local breeders

Townsend's Warbler - 5/24 UI Arb

Wilson's Warbler - only a couple

Lazuli Bunting - most days, 5 in neighborhood 5/28

Chipping Sparrow - most days, 30 UI Arb 5/24

Lesser Goldfinch - 5/25, 2 on southeast side of campus along Paradise Creek

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

early spring on the Palouse (birds, bugs, and herps)

I was able to get out this afternoon w/ Tom Besser for hikes at Phillips Farm County Park and at his property on the west end of Moscow Mountain. It was a typical spring day hereabouts - cloudy and cool at times but pleasant when the sun came out. Heading up US 95 north of Moscow I noticed the Loch 95 seasonal ponds was mostly cleared out of the ~250 ducks present yesterday. We had a nice hike at Phillip's (eBird list below) and in addition to birds noted swarming ladybugs, calling Pacific Chorus/Tree Frogs, and silent Columbia Spotted Frogs. Later at the Foothill Rd. lower pond we found a drake Cinnamon Teal, 4 Greater Yellowlegs, and 1 Lesser Yellowlegs among others. We noted and confirmed in Sibley the strong flank markings on the breeding plumage Greater Yellowlegs and lack of the same on the Lesser (in addition to bill differences and overall size this appears to be useful characteristic for separating breeding plumage yellowlegs). A nice variety of species were around Tom's place including a couple Ruffed Grouse flushed by his dog, an impressively close Cooper's Hawk rocketing through his feeders, and a "white belly" immature Bald Eagle heading south over Moscow Mountain.

Phillip's Farm eBird list

Canada Goose  2
Northern Harrier  3     appeared to migrating in a small group
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Red-naped Sapsucker  1     heard drumming
Northern Flicker  6
Common Raven  2
Black-capped Chickadee  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
Western Bluebird  2
American Robin  25
European Starling  1
Spotted Towhee  2
Song Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  40
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Western Meadowlark  2
House Finch  5
Red Crossbill  2
Evening Grosbeak  25

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2 (http://ebird.org) 

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

Moscow area birds, 4/1 & 4/2 (feeder, neighborhood, and waterfowl)

Howdy All - 

Lots of fun birds (and fun weather!) in and around Moscow these first two days in April. The continuation of various finches in my yard and east side Moscow neighborhood - Cassin's Finches and Pine Siskins in particular and finally yesterday I've got some goldfinches showing up at my feeders and today a few Evening Grosbeaks (plenty of fly overs but few stopping at my on again off again feeders - at least while I'm home). Also lots of singing birds around the neighborhood including among others flickers, robins, starlings, juncos, cassin's & house finches and several Varied Thrushes again after a several week absence. Yesterday morning a pair of Mallards walked through my neighbor's yard which I don't see too often. Probably scouting out nest sites even though we're a good 4-6 blocks from Paradise Creek. Also Friday evening while it was still calm and mild I could hear Pacific Tree Frogs calling down along the creek from my house.

There are also a very nice variety of waterfowl (11 species of ducks plus C. Goose) close to town right now based on some quick checking mostly this morning - as follows below.

thanks, Charles.

UI Dairy (yesterday 4/1)

Mallard 6

Green-winged Teal 2

Northern Shoveler 4

Lesser Scaup 3

A. Coot 1

following all this morning (4/2)

UI Dairy

American Wigeon 2 (all of above apparently departed)

Mallard 8

Loch 95 (seasonal pond on east side of US 95 n. of Moscow near Estes Rd.) - 250-300 ducks including the largest group of pintail I've personally seen in the county, could have been a E. Wigeon in there somewhere but I couldn't find one (also viewing conditions are a bit challenging here)

American Wigeon 80

Mallard 20

Northern Shoveler 5

Northern Pintail 150

Green-winged Teal 4

Hooded Merganser 2 (pair)

Foothill Rd. ponds - only a few mallards but a Say's Phoebe was also present struggling against the wind to hawk insects over the pond outflow

Sora wetlands on Moscow Mountain Rd.: 

Gadwall 2

Mallard 16

Green-winged Teal 2

Syringa Ponds

Mallard 6

Ring-necked Duck 1

Bufflehead 4

Common Goldeneye 1

American coot 3

Tree Swallow 2

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
(north-central Idaho, 80 miles SE of Spokane, WA)
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473

Moscow - UI Campus migrants, 3/31/11

Despite the gusty winds on the Palouse today there were a nice variety
of birds on campus during an afternoon walk (eBird list for UI
Arboretum below). It started out w/ a flock of ~75 Bohemian Waxwings
in the middle of campus which then flew over to the Arb (although
there might have been several flocks around). At the Arb were several
Ruby-crowned Kinglets associating w/ a small flock of Golden-crowned
Kinglets and BC Chickadees. As I was leaving the Arb a couple of
Violet-green Swallows zipped over heading south (interestingly).
Walking back through the Shattuck Arboretum I was alerted to the
presence of a Great Horned Owl by a noisy crow (which could be one of
a pair nesting somewhere in the Shattuck).

Charles.

Moscow - UI Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Latah, US-ID
Mar 31, 2011 1:40 PM - 2:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: Gusty winds but mild and nice variety of birds from
ponds up (the upper parts seem to have the best shelter).
20 species

Canada Goose 4 (on nest on lower pond)
Mallard 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 1
Rock Pigeon 6
Common Raven 1
Violet-green Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 15
Varied Thrush 1
European Starling 1
Bohemian Waxwing 75
Song Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 5
House Finch 5
Pine Siskin 10
Evening Grosbeak X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2 (http://ebird.org)

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, Idaho
(north-central Idaho, 80 miles SE of Spokane, WA)
46°43′54″ N, 116°59′50″ W
email: chaetura@gmail.com
skype: charles.swift
google voice: 208-991-2473