Date: 5/8/25 8:53 pm From: Doug Ward via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Kootenai Co (ID) Stuff
First the best stuff. Followed up on a report of a flock of MARBLED GODWITs this afternoon (Thurs., 8 May'25) at Robinson Marsh (aka Schlepp Ranch) south of Rose Lake along ID HW 3 (Kootanai Co., ID) and ended up spotting three (3) of these rare brutes way out across the marsh. The marsh itself is pretty full, so shorebird habitat is limited, but did also have a dozen (12) LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERs and a WILSON'S SNIPE winnowing overhead.
A good mix of waterfowl can also be found in the area including a few lingering swans just up the road at Lane Marsh (just north of Robinson Marsh along HW 3). These guys are a very intriguing bunch, four (4) total today, with at least one adult TRUMPETER, probably a second sitting on a potential nest (!) across the marsh (never lifted its head), a smaller distant one that struck me as a TUNDRA, and finally one seen well that had characteristics of both Trumpeter and Tundra - hybrid!?! Will definitely be following up with this crowd.
On the opposite end of the county up near Bayview the LEWIS'S WOODPECKERs have returned along Cape Horn Rd east of town. They have been around all week with up to three (3) seen at once, so worth a try if you would like to chase. Also out that way are decent numbers of NASHVILLE WARBLERs which seem to be hanging out on territories and singing away all along the road.
As many of you have probably noticed, migration is in full swing - seem to be adding species daily. Hoping you are seeing the same trend in your patches, but if you are looking for an adventure, the good spots around Kootenai County are producing.
