Date: 5/14/24 5:36 pm From: Ken Miracle via groups.io <chukar28...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Mud Lake WMA?
Yes N 1800 E go north over Camas Creek to E 1800 N turn left and it turns into N Lake Refuge Road
> On May 14, 2024, at 6:25 PM, Terry Thomas via groups.io <terryrthomas...> wrote:
>
> The turn to the north side is quite a bit east of town. I don't recall the road number for sure. But I think it is 1800 east, east of the grocery store and will take you to Hamer if you want to go there.
>
> Get Outlook for Android <https://aka.ms/ghei36> > From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> on behalf of Scott MacButch <scott...>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:35:06 AM
> To: <IBLE...> <IBLE...>
> Subject: [IBLE] Mud Lake WMA?
>
> It had been years since I have been to Mud Lake WMA and turned at sign in Terreton and made it to south boat ramp and then continued on NE until I ran into sign stating no motorized vehicles. Went back to highway 33 and continued west to Mud Lake and took only other sign mentioning Mud Lake WMA but after about one hour driving along various canals gave up, but did see a cool Short-eared Owl family hanging out. The PDF file on IFG web site is not of much value as doesn't even show the highway, so no real reference. Total lack of signage out there. I can't believe I'm the only dunce who has had trouble finding the north side but any help would be appreciated. Camas was great - loved seeing Curlew's, etc.
> Scott MacButch
>
Ken Miracle
<chukar28...>
208-570-2780
"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God" 2COR 3:5
Date: 5/14/24 5:25 pm From: Terry Thomas via groups.io <terryrthomas...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Mud Lake WMA?
The turn to the north side is quite a bit east of town. I don't recall the road number for sure. But I think it is 1800 east, east of the grocery store and will take you to Hamer if you want to go there.
________________________________
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> on behalf of Scott MacButch <scott...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:35:06 AM
To: <IBLE...> <IBLE...>
Subject: [IBLE] Mud Lake WMA?
It had been years since I have been to Mud Lake WMA and turned at sign in Terreton and made it to south boat ramp and then continued on NE until I ran into sign stating no motorized vehicles. Went back to highway 33 and continued west to Mud Lake and took only other sign mentioning Mud Lake WMA but after about one hour driving along various canals gave up, but did see a cool Short-eared Owl family hanging out. The PDF file on IFG web site is not of much value as doesn't even show the highway, so no real reference. Total lack of signage out there. I can't believe I'm the only dunce who has had trouble finding the north side but any help would be appreciated. Camas was great - loved seeing Curlew's, etc.
Scott MacButch
Although I'm an Android guy, I hear ya'! Not much better on Android platform. Feel I have enough command of the English language that autocorrect, etc just gets in my way.
On the bird front along the Snake River: Bullock's Orioles, BH Grosbeaks, Yellow Warblers & House Wrens are here in good numbers. Juncos & White-crowned Sparrows have been replaced by numbers of Chipping Sparrows now, esp going after dandelion fluff. And, appears the Cassin's Finches have moved on, & probably upwards, to higher elevation.
Date: 5/14/24 3:54 pm From: Bill Moore via groups.io <hootowlbill...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Inkom Arrivals.
I hate Mac autocomplete. The BH Grosbeaks weren’t in possession of anything and while the feeder sways under assault,it was being mobbed not moved.
Fumble fingered Bill Moore
Inkom
> On May 14, 2024, at 3:09 PM, Bill Moore via groups.io <hootowlbill...> wrote:
>
> Blackheaded grosbeak’s arrived today as well as Lazulis All four species of hummers moving feeder and buzzing around at each other.
>
> Bill Moore
> Hoot Owl
> Inkom
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/14/24 8:35 am From: Scott MacButch via groups.io <scott...> Subject: [IBLE] Mud Lake WMA?
It had been years since I have been to Mud Lake WMA and turned at sign in Terreton and made it to south boat ramp and then continued on NE until I ran into sign stating no motorized vehicles. Went back to highway 33 and continued west to Mud Lake and took only other sign mentioning Mud Lake WMA but after about one hour driving along various canals gave up, but did see a cool Short-eared Owl family hanging out. The PDF file on IFG web site is not of much value as doesn't even show the highway, so no real reference. Total lack of signage out there. I can't believe I'm the only dunce who has had trouble finding the north side but any help would be appreciated. Camas was great - loved seeing Curlew's, etc.
Scott MacButch
Date: 5/14/24 8:03 am From: R L ROWLAND RONALD ROWLAND via groups.io <rlrowland...> Subject: [IBLE] Discovery birds
Hey all, RL here.
Just had a phone call from an acquaintance. She and a friend were at Lucky Peak State Park-Discovery Unit yesterday looking for migrant birds to get some photos. The ladies found a pair of loose parakeets, one yellow. one blue. I told her that, way out there, a pair, sounded to me like the birds were dumped. She said the birds were staying high and being harassed by other birds. I know nothing can be done for them but it is a sad commentary on things. The birds could have been taken to Ruth Melicar Center and a home could have been found.
CGB. RL
Date: 5/13/24 1:40 am From: Jane Westervelt via groups.io <jwestervelt...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] WIPH
That is correct, it's okay to use those codes, so long as the full name is also given somewhere in your message. Keep in mind that some replies will strip previous messages in the thread so it's helpful if the bird name is in the subject line for those that may jump into the conversation later on.
I noticed a flurry of codes recently, between IBLE and OBOL, and I was intending to send the reminder so thanks for the prod.
Jane
co-owner
On May 12, 2024, at 5:15 PM, Bill Moore <hootowlbill...> wrote:
What’s a WIPH?
I thought ancestral IBLE protocol was to never use bird abbreviations without saying what it is to ease things for old folks like me.
On May 12, 2024, at 4:52 PM, geaton8 via groups.io <geaton8...> wrote:
I saw these 2 WIPH on a makeshift pond. Gayle Eaton, Donnelly
<Yesterday - 1 of 1 _7_.jpeg>
<Yesterday - 1 of 1 _8_.jpeg>
I put my hummingbird feeders up yesterday, and my reward today was a Black-chinned Hummer in my maple, surveying the yard. I haven't seen one go to a feeder yet, but I'm sure he didn't go to the feeder because we were making too much noise.
Today I also saw my first Spotted Sandpipers of the season, on a sand bar near the old race track. Yellow Warblers are all along my route on the greenbelt, and yesterday I heard, but did not see, a Western Wood Pewee.
Ah, Spring!
Tom McCabe, Boise
Date: 5/12/24 6:48 pm From: Tom & Susan Soniville via groups.io <tomnsueid...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] WIPH
On the subject of WIPH: we drove up to Centennial Marsh near Hill City yesterday. Found at least a couple dozen of the phalaropes in and around the marsh. A handful of willets were there, as well. Quite a few cinnamon teal and northern shovelers. Many blackbirds of all three species. A few sandhill cranes flew over, as well as at least four red tail hawks. On Old Bennet Mountain Rd the bluebirds are returning to the nesting boxes. Saw close to three dozen. No sign of any of the larger shore birds, but suspect they will be arriving soon.
Good excuse for another drive.
Tom Soniville
Boise West Bench
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of <geaton8...>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2024 2:40 PM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: [IBLE] WIPH
I saw these 2 WIPH on a makeshift pond. Gayle Eaton, Donnelly
Saw 3 Whimbrels in a mixed flock of LBCU in Valley County. It was so strange to see 5 LBCU (22.8") together, so I started to study them closer. The WHIM's were smaller (16.9"), had shorter straighter bills (though also down turned), eye stripe. I sent to a Master Birder who ID'd them.
Date: 5/12/24 1:54 pm From: Scott MacButch via groups.io <scott...> Subject: [IBLE] Great Gray
Hey,
Haven't posted in a very long time, but thought the Great Gray Owl I saw last night here in Teton County was noteworthy. Kinda cool it coincided with the unusual solar storm that pushed the Northern Lights down to this latitude. Wonder what the owl thought of those coronal mass ejections? Owl launched couple of times at voles but missed. Time was around 20:00.
Scott MacButch - Tetonia
Date: 5/11/24 11:03 am From: Bill Moore via groups.io <hootowlbill...> Subject: [IBLE] Hummers
Hummers numbers are picking up finally, getting multiple visits a day and females. Cassins Finch arrived and they are here all Summer. House wrens also showed, but early ones showed up with abbreviated song, only back end. Maybe more will show up with full melody and teach the others. I wonder if they could be last year’s brood in first breeding cycle. Great Horns are singing through night.
Date: 5/11/24 9:16 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Hummingbird
Just filled my hummingbird feeder, as had a Black-chinned come through earlier. And, the hummingbird was followed by a mature male Bullock's Oriole. Last year, a male Bullock's was a regular visitor to the hummingbird feeder in early Spring.
Date: 5/10/24 9:08 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Dusky Flycatcher
This is the longest, we've ever had Cassin's Finches spend early Spring on our place. Still coming into feeder, for close to 3 wks now. House Wrens are arriving in good numbers the past few days & rapidly staking out their territories. And, Black-headed Grosbeaks started showing up on Monday. I heard a Yellow Warbler, but could never quite locate it for a sighting.
Best bird this AM was a Dusky Flycatcher, fly-catching from top wire of fence between our place & neighbor's. 2 Wild Turkey hens show under the feeder every morning, scratching for scattered seeds. On my walk this morning, suspect at least one is nesting on the place, as I, unintentionally, scared her up twice in the same area.
Date: 5/4/24 2:01 pm From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
It's a juvenile and it's a Long-billed. Tail pattern is irrelevant - the tertial centers are unmarked and that is diagnostic. Juvys are easy because of the difference in tertial pattern, internally marked in SBDO, plain in LBDO.
Cliff
On 5/4/24 02:27PM, scott urban wrote: > And, as I look at it a year later, the fringing doesn't look crisp > enough to be juvenile? And it seems paler overall than it should for > juvenile SBDO? > >> On May 4, 2024, at 2:17 PM, scott urban via groups.io >> <scotturban610...> wrote: >> >> >> The tail striping looks to be about 50:50, which according to Kaufman >> is useless. >> >>> On May 4, 2024, at 2:05 PM, scott urban via groups.io >>> <scotturban610...> wrote: >>> >>> >>> Here is an October bird that I put in my SBDO folder, calling it a >>> juvenile. Thoughts? >>> <short-billed-dowitcher-juvenile-10-8-23-BC-DSCN3273.jpg> >>> >>> >>> On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 11:53 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io >>> <http://groups.io> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >>> >>> I'm not sure of the full extent of the variation in those field >>> marks, which can be complicated by molt in the case of Pp >>> projection. I did try to lighten it up to see the tail on the >>> bird labeled SBDO but it's just not visible. >>> >>> Cliff >>> >>> On 5/4/24 11:39AM, scott urban wrote: >>>> Thank you Cliff, I appreciate your thoughts! Regarding the >>>> bird I labelled LBDO, I was relying heavily on the tail >>>> striping, with the black being much wider than the white, which >>>> according to Kaufman is a fairly certain diagnosis? That, and >>>> to the extent that primary length is actually reliable, it >>>> seems shorter than the other bird, which seems to extend beyond >>>> the tail, even though it is leaning forward. I wish the tail >>>> striping pattern was visible on that bird! >>>> >>>> I'm going to sit down and stare at me pictures this afternoon >>>> and if I see any others that could be useful I will post them! >>>> >>>>> On May 4, 2024, at 10:59 AM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io >>>>> <http://groups.io> <cliffandlisa...> >>>>> <mailto:<cliffandlisa...> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Scott, >>>>> >>>>> I've actually looked at those photos quite a few times. Timing >>>>> is OK for Short-billed adults but the plumage is worn at this >>>>> time of year so I'm not sure you can reliably identify the >>>>> breast markings on the one labeled SBDO as spots. To my eye >>>>> they seem elongated, not round spots, so I don't know if >>>>> they're just partially worn off bars (which doesn't mean it >>>>> can't be a Short-billed). >>>>> >>>>> <breast side.jpg> >>>>> >>>>> The markings on the flanks are limited to the front (and >>>>> possibly rear?) of the bird which fits Long-billed - SBDO >>>>> tends to be marked more evenly on the flanks. The throat does >>>>> seem lightly spotted which would be good for SBDO but again, >>>>> I'm not sure that isn't a result of wear. Underparts show zero >>>>> white background, favoring LBDO. Any chance you have any more >>>>> photos? With bill visible? >>>>> >>>>> Conclusion? FWIW, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that >>>>> this is a SBDO but I'm honestly not comfortable making that >>>>> call based only on this photo. This is one I would have tried >>>>> hard to flush and hoped for a call. >>>>> >>>>> Now let's look at the Long-billed in your photo. In some ways >>>>> it might be a better candidate for Short-billed than the other >>>>> one. There is white on the belly, the throat is lightly >>>>> marked, and the flanks are evenly barred front to back. Are >>>>> they both SBDOs? I don't think so but can I say that with >>>>> certainty? No. >>>>> >>>>> Cliff >>>>> >>>>> On 5/4/24 09:57AM, scott urban wrote: >>>>>> Hi Cliff, thanks so much for sharing this additional info! >>>>>> <long-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1172.jpg> >>>>>> >>>>>> <Short-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1165.jpg> >>>>>> >>>>>> Attached are two photos from Black's Creek last summer, >>>>>> including one that I (still) feel is SBDO. Any thoughts you >>>>>> might have regarding this bird, especially what makes it NOT >>>>>> a LBDO? Thx! >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io >>>>>> <http://groups.io> >>>>>> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote: >>>>>>> *Just going to call them all LBDOs.* >>>>>> You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - >>>>>> they're all Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article >>>>>> on Surfbirds the year before it was published in Birding >>>>>> and I was really excited. I started using their proposed >>>>>> field marks and quickly realized I was finding way too >>>>>> many Short-billeds. That's why I posted the photos to ID >>>>>> Frontiers - I knew I was getting them wrong and I was >>>>>> willing to take my lumps to learn. >>>>>> >>>>>> Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the >>>>>> bill of SBDO it's almost useless for field >>>>>> identification. It was widely and extensively criticized >>>>>> when it came out but Birding never published the >>>>>> criticism. As Scott pointed out, the first pair of birds >>>>>> in my photos seems to illustrate the difference in loral >>>>>> angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually demonstrates >>>>>> why so many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't >>>>>> even work for the photos in their own article. Here's an >>>>>> excerpt from an email posted on ID Frontiers by Ron >>>>>> Pittaway, one of the experts listed in the article: >>>>>> >>>>>> "/7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 >>>>>> used to distinguish the two species are of questionable >>>>>> value. Loral angles should not to be trusted in the field >>>>>> and are of limited value in photos. According to the >>>>>> graph on page 36 the diagnostic loral angle is less than >>>>>> < 12 degrees for Long-billed Dowitcher and greater than > >>>>>> 27 degrees for Short-billed Dowitcher. Most birds, >>>>>> however, including the very examples in Figure A (18 >>>>>> degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide 12 >>>>>> 27 degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a >>>>>> tiny bit the loral angle is off. The loral angle suggests >>>>>> precision and objectivity; however, it is variable and >>>>>> subject to incorrect interpretations. For example, the >>>>>> bird labeled a Long-billed (it's a Short-billed as >>>>>> discussed in # 1 but corrected online) on page 34 keys >>>>>> out incorrectly to be a Long-billed using loral angle. >>>>>> Jean Iron and I went through The Shorebird Guide (O'Brien >>>>>> et al. 2006) keying out dowitchers using loral angles. >>>>>> Some Short-billed Dowitchers keyed out as Long-billed and >>>>>> vice versa. Try it yourself. This would be a good project >>>>>> for a birding class to do in the classroom using photos >>>>>> and comparing results./" >>>>>> >>>>>> Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, >>>>>> understandably, being led astray by that article. Hence >>>>>> this post. If you don't want to end up getting even more >>>>>> confused about dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to the >>>>>> old field marks. They still work. Once you have good >>>>>> understanding of them many SBDOs are pretty straight >>>>>> forward to identify, but many aren't. When you think you >>>>>> have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope it calls to >>>>>> confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being unable to >>>>>> ID, or misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher ID >>>>>> is not for you. Just call them all "Dowitcher sp" because >>>>>> you will undoubtedly get some of them wrong. >>>>>> >>>>>> I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID >>>>>> dowitchers. It's still one of my favorite things to do. I >>>>>> love that it's hard to figure them out and that it adds >>>>>> to our understanding of species distribution during >>>>>> migration. And they'll let you walk right up to them for >>>>>> in your face views. My guess is SBDO is more regular in >>>>>> SW Idaho than the one accepted record in eBird suggests. >>>>>> If you want to find them do yourself a favor and don't >>>>>> waste your time on field marks that don't work. >>>>>> >>>>>> Cliff >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >>>>>> Island Park, Idaho >>>>>> <cliffandlisa...> >>>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >>>>> Island Park, Idaho >>>>> <cliffandlisa...> >>> >>> -- >>> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >>> Island Park, Idaho >>> <cliffandlisa...> >>> >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/4/24 1:59 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Fill the Feeder & They Will Come!
Enjoying some back deck time, as leading edge of next frontal system is just starting to arrive. Had filled my thistle feeder a week ago & the American Goldfinches have been greedily consuming the seed. Today, Pine Siskins arrived to the feeder. Was hoping that would be the case.
Still have Cassin's Finches coming in for sunflower seeds. And, saw my first Osprey of the season earlier today & 2 more since. Others: Swainson's Hawk, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, DE Junco, Tree Swallows, White Pelican, RB Nuthatch & Red-naped Sapsucker.
Date: 5/4/24 1:05 pm From: scott urban via groups.io <scotturban610...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
Here is an October bird that I put in my SBDO folder, calling it a
juvenile. Thoughts?
[image: short-billed-dowitcher-juvenile-10-8-23-BC-DSCN3273.jpg]
On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 11:53 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa=
<octobersetters.com...> wrote:
> I'm not sure of the full extent of the variation in those field marks,
> which can be complicated by molt in the case of Pp projection. I did try to
> lighten it up to see the tail on the bird labeled SBDO but it's just not
> visible.
>
> Cliff
> On 5/4/24 11:39AM, scott urban wrote:
>
> Thank you Cliff, I appreciate your thoughts! Regarding the bird I
> labelled LBDO, I was relying heavily on the tail striping, with the black
> being much wider than the white, which according to Kaufman is a fairly
> certain diagnosis? That, and to the extent that primary length is actually
> reliable, it seems shorter than the other bird, which seems to extend
> beyond the tail, even though it is leaning forward. I wish the tail
> striping pattern was visible on that bird!
>
> I'm going to sit down and stare at me pictures this afternoon and if I
> see any others that could be useful I will post them!
>
> On May 4, 2024, at 10:59 AM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io
> <cliffandlisa...>
> <cliffandlisa...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Scott,
>
> I've actually looked at those photos quite a few times. Timing is OK for
> Short-billed adults but the plumage is worn at this time of year so I'm not
> sure you can reliably identify the breast markings on the one labeled SBDO
> as spots. To my eye they seem elongated, not round spots, so I don't know
> if they're just partially worn off bars (which doesn't mean it can't be a
> Short-billed).
> <breast side.jpg>
>
> The markings on the flanks are limited to the front (and possibly rear?)
> of the bird which fits Long-billed - SBDO tends to be marked more evenly on
> the flanks. The throat does seem lightly spotted which would be good for
> SBDO but again, I'm not sure that isn't a result of wear. Underparts show
> zero white background, favoring LBDO. Any chance you have any more photos?
> With bill visible?
>
> Conclusion? FWIW, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that this is a SBDO
> but I'm honestly not comfortable making that call based only on this photo.
> This is one I would have tried hard to flush and hoped for a call.
>
> Now let's look at the Long-billed in your photo. In some ways it might be
> a better candidate for Short-billed than the other one. There is white on
> the belly, the throat is lightly marked, and the flanks are evenly barred
> front to back. Are they both SBDOs? I don't think so but can I say that
> with certainty? No.
>
> Cliff
> On 5/4/24 09:57AM, scott urban wrote:
>
> Hi Cliff, thanks so much for sharing this additional info!
> <long-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1172.jpg>
>
> <Short-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1165.jpg>
>
> Attached are two photos from Black's Creek last summer, including one that
> I (still) feel is SBDO. Any thoughts you might have regarding this bird,
> especially what makes it NOT a LBDO? Thx!
>
> On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa=
> <octobersetters.com...> wrote:
>
>> On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote:
>>
>> *Just going to call them all LBDOs.*
>>
>> You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - they're all
>> Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article on Surfbirds the year before it
>> was published in Birding and I was really excited. I started using their
>> proposed field marks and quickly realized I was finding way too many
>> Short-billeds. That's why I posted the photos to ID Frontiers - I knew I
>> was getting them wrong and I was willing to take my lumps to learn.
>>
>> Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the bill of SBDO it's
>> almost useless for field identification. It was widely and extensively
>> criticized when it came out but Birding never published the criticism. As
>> Scott pointed out, the first pair of birds in my photos seems to illustrate
>> the difference in loral angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually
>> demonstrates why so many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't even
>> work for the photos in their own article. Here's an excerpt from an email
>> posted on ID Frontiers by Ron Pittaway, one of the experts listed in the
>> article:
>>
>> "*7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 used to
>> distinguish the two species are of questionable value. Loral angles should
>> not to be trusted in the field and are of limited value in photos.
>> According to the graph on page 36 the diagnostic loral angle is less than <
>> 12 degrees for Long-billed Dowitcher and greater than > 27 degrees for
>> Short-billed Dowitcher. Most birds, however, including the very examples in
>> Figure A (18 degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide 12 27
>> degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a tiny bit the loral
>> angle is off. The loral angle suggests precision and objectivity; however,
>> it is variable and subject to incorrect interpretations. For example, the
>> bird labeled a Long-billed (it's a Short-billed as discussed in # 1 but
>> corrected online) on page 34 keys out incorrectly to be a Long-billed using
>> loral angle. Jean Iron and I went through The Shorebird Guide (O'Brien et
>> al. 2006) keying out dowitchers using loral angles. Some Short-billed
>> Dowitchers keyed out as Long-billed and vice versa. Try it yourself. This
>> would be a good project for a birding class to do in the classroom using
>> photos and comparing results.*"
>>
>> Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, understandably,
>> being led astray by that article. Hence this post. If you don't want to end
>> up getting even more confused about dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to
>> the old field marks. They still work. Once you have good understanding of
>> them many SBDOs are pretty straight forward to identify, but many aren't.
>> When you think you have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope it calls to
>> confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being unable to ID, or
>> misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher ID is not for you. Just
>> call them all "Dowitcher sp" because you will undoubtedly get some of them
>> wrong.
>>
>> I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID dowitchers. It's
>> still one of my favorite things to do. I love that it's hard to figure them
>> out and that it adds to our understanding of species distribution during
>> migration. And they'll let you walk right up to them for in your face
>> views. My guess is SBDO is more regular in SW Idaho than the one accepted
>> record in eBird suggests. If you want to find them do yourself a favor and
>> don't waste your time on field marks that don't work.
>>
>> Cliff
>>
>>
>> --
>> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
>> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...>
>>
>> --
> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...>
>
> --
> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/4/24 10:53 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
I'm not sure of the full extent of the variation in those field marks, which can be complicated by molt in the case of Pp projection. I did try to lighten it up to see the tail on the bird labeled SBDO but it's just not visible.
Cliff
On 5/4/24 11:39AM, scott urban wrote: > Thank you Cliff, I appreciate your thoughts! Regarding the bird I > labelled LBDO, I was relying heavily on the tail striping, with the > black being much wider than the white, which according to Kaufman is a > fairly certain diagnosis? That, and to the extent that primary length > is actually reliable, it seems shorter than the other bird, which > seems to extend beyond the tail, even though it is leaning forward. I > wish the tail striping pattern was visible on that bird! > > I'm going to sit down and stare at me pictures this afternoon and if > I see any others that could be useful I will post them! > >> On May 4, 2024, at 10:59 AM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io >> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >> >> >> >> Scott, >> >> I've actually looked at those photos quite a few times. Timing is OK >> for Short-billed adults but the plumage is worn at this time of year >> so I'm not sure you can reliably identify the breast markings on the >> one labeled SBDO as spots. To my eye they seem elongated, not round >> spots, so I don't know if they're just partially worn off bars (which >> doesn't mean it can't be a Short-billed). >> >> <breast side.jpg> >> >> The markings on the flanks are limited to the front (and possibly >> rear?) of the bird which fits Long-billed - SBDO tends to be marked >> more evenly on the flanks. The throat does seem lightly spotted which >> would be good for SBDO but again, I'm not sure that isn't a result of >> wear. Underparts show zero white background, favoring LBDO. Any >> chance you have any more photos? With bill visible? >> >> Conclusion? FWIW, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that this is a >> SBDO but I'm honestly not comfortable making that call based only on >> this photo. This is one I would have tried hard to flush and hoped >> for a call. >> >> Now let's look at the Long-billed in your photo. In some ways it >> might be a better candidate for Short-billed than the other one. >> There is white on the belly, the throat is lightly marked, and the >> flanks are evenly barred front to back. Are they both SBDOs? I don't >> think so but can I say that with certainty? No. >> >> Cliff >> >> On 5/4/24 09:57AM, scott urban wrote: >>> Hi Cliff, thanks so much for sharing this additional info! >>> <long-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1172.jpg> >>> >>> <Short-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1165.jpg> >>> >>> Attached are two photos from Black's Creek last summer, including >>> one that I (still) feel is SBDO. Any thoughts you might have >>> regarding this bird, especially what makes it NOT a LBDO? Thx! >>> >>> On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io >>> <http://groups.io> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >>> >>> On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote: >>>> *Just going to call them all LBDOs.* >>> You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - they're all >>> Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article on Surfbirds the >>> year before it was published in Birding and I was really >>> excited. I started using their proposed field marks and quickly >>> realized I was finding way too many Short-billeds. That's why I >>> posted the photos to ID Frontiers - I knew I was getting them >>> wrong and I was willing to take my lumps to learn. >>> >>> Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the bill of >>> SBDO it's almost useless for field identification. It was widely >>> and extensively criticized when it came out but Birding never >>> published the criticism. As Scott pointed out, the first pair of >>> birds in my photos seems to illustrate the difference in loral >>> angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually demonstrates why so >>> many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't even work for >>> the photos in their own article. Here's an excerpt from an email >>> posted on ID Frontiers by Ron Pittaway, one of the experts >>> listed in the article: >>> >>> "/7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 used to >>> distinguish the two species are of questionable value. Loral >>> angles should not to be trusted in the field and are of limited >>> value in photos. According to the graph on page 36 the >>> diagnostic loral angle is less than < 12 degrees for Long-billed >>> Dowitcher and greater than > 27 degrees for Short-billed >>> Dowitcher. Most birds, however, including the very examples in >>> Figure A (18 degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide >>> 12 27 degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a >>> tiny bit the loral angle is off. The loral angle suggests >>> precision and objectivity; however, it is variable and subject >>> to incorrect interpretations. For example, the bird labeled a >>> Long-billed (it's a Short-billed as discussed in # 1 but >>> corrected online) on page 34 keys out incorrectly to be a >>> Long-billed using loral angle. Jean Iron and I went through The >>> Shorebird Guide (O'Brien et al. 2006) keying out dowitchers >>> using loral angles. Some Short-billed Dowitchers keyed out as >>> Long-billed and vice versa. Try it yourself. This would be a >>> good project for a birding class to do in the classroom using >>> photos and comparing results./" >>> >>> Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, >>> understandably, being led astray by that article. Hence this >>> post. If you don't want to end up getting even more confused >>> about dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to the old field marks. >>> They still work. Once you have good understanding of them many >>> SBDOs are pretty straight forward to identify, but many aren't. >>> When you think you have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope >>> it calls to confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being >>> unable to ID, or misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher >>> ID is not for you. Just call them all "Dowitcher sp" because you >>> will undoubtedly get some of them wrong. >>> >>> I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID dowitchers. >>> It's still one of my favorite things to do. I love that it's >>> hard to figure them out and that it adds to our understanding of >>> species distribution during migration. And they'll let you walk >>> right up to them for in your face views. My guess is SBDO is >>> more regular in SW Idaho than the one accepted record in eBird >>> suggests. If you want to find them do yourself a favor and don't >>> waste your time on field marks that don't work. >>> >>> Cliff >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >>> Island Park, Idaho >>> <cliffandlisa...> >>> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, Idaho >> <cliffandlisa...> >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/4/24 9:59 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
Scott,
I've actually looked at those photos quite a few times. Timing is OK for Short-billed adults but the plumage is worn at this time of year so I'm not sure you can reliably identify the breast markings on the one labeled SBDO as spots. To my eye they seem elongated, not round spots, so I don't know if they're just partially worn off bars (which doesn't mean it can't be a Short-billed).
The markings on the flanks are limited to the front (and possibly rear?) of the bird which fits Long-billed - SBDO tends to be marked more evenly on the flanks. The throat does seem lightly spotted which would be good for SBDO but again, I'm not sure that isn't a result of wear. Underparts show zero white background, favoring LBDO. Any chance you have any more photos? With bill visible?
Conclusion? FWIW, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that this is a SBDO but I'm honestly not comfortable making that call based only on this photo. This is one I would have tried hard to flush and hoped for a call.
Now let's look at the Long-billed in your photo. In some ways it might be a better candidate for Short-billed than the other one. There is white on the belly, the throat is lightly marked, and the flanks are evenly barred front to back. Are they both SBDOs? I don't think so but can I say that with certainty? No.
Cliff
On 5/4/24 09:57AM, scott urban wrote: > Hi Cliff, thanks so much for sharing this additional info! > long-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1172.jpg > Short-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1165.jpg > Attached are two photos from Black's Creek last summer, including one > that I (still) feel is SBDO. Any thoughts you might have regarding > this bird, especially what makes it NOT a LBDO? Thx! > > On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io > <http://groups.io> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: > > On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote: >> *Just going to call them all LBDOs.* > You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - they're all > Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article on Surfbirds the year > before it was published in Birding and I was really excited. I > started using their proposed field marks and quickly realized I > was finding way too many Short-billeds. That's why I posted the > photos to ID Frontiers - I knew I was getting them wrong and I was > willing to take my lumps to learn. > > Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the bill of > SBDO it's almost useless for field identification. It was widely > and extensively criticized when it came out but Birding never > published the criticism. As Scott pointed out, the first pair of > birds in my photos seems to illustrate the difference in loral > angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually demonstrates why so > many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't even work for the > photos in their own article. Here's an excerpt from an email > posted on ID Frontiers by Ron Pittaway, one of the experts listed > in the article: > > "/7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 used to > distinguish the two species are of questionable value. Loral > angles should not to be trusted in the field and are of limited > value in photos. According to the graph on page 36 the diagnostic > loral angle is less than < 12 degrees for Long-billed Dowitcher > and greater than > 27 degrees for Short-billed Dowitcher. Most > birds, however, including the very examples in Figure A (18 > degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide 12 27 > degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a tiny bit the > loral angle is off. The loral angle suggests precision and > objectivity; however, it is variable and subject to incorrect > interpretations. For example, the bird labeled a Long-billed (it's > a Short-billed as discussed in # 1 but corrected online) on page > 34 keys out incorrectly to be a Long-billed using loral angle. > Jean Iron and I went through The Shorebird Guide (O'Brien et al. > 2006) keying out dowitchers using loral angles. Some Short-billed > Dowitchers keyed out as Long-billed and vice versa. Try it > yourself. This would be a good project for a birding class to do > in the classroom using photos and comparing results./" > > Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, > understandably, being led astray by that article. Hence this post. > If you don't want to end up getting even more confused about > dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to the old field marks. They > still work. Once you have good understanding of them many SBDOs > are pretty straight forward to identify, but many aren't. When you > think you have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope it calls to > confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being unable to ID, or > misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher ID is not for you. > Just call them all "Dowitcher sp" because you will undoubtedly get > some of them wrong. > > I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID dowitchers. > It's still one of my favorite things to do. I love that it's hard > to figure them out and that it adds to our understanding of > species distribution during migration. And they'll let you walk > right up to them for in your face views. My guess is SBDO is more > regular in SW Idaho than the one accepted record in eBird > suggests. If you want to find them do yourself a favor and don't > waste your time on field marks that don't work. > > Cliff > > > -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, Idaho > <cliffandlisa...> > >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/4/24 8:58 am From: scott urban via groups.io <scotturban610...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
Hi Cliff, thanks so much for sharing this additional info! [image:
long-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1172.jpg]
[image: Short-billed-dowitcher-ID-7-16-23-DSCN1165.jpg]
Attached are two photos from Black's Creek last summer, including one that
I (still) feel is SBDO. Any thoughts you might have regarding this bird,
especially what makes it NOT a LBDO? Thx!
On Sat, May 4, 2024 at 9:00 AM Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa=
<octobersetters.com...> wrote:
> On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote:
>
> *Just going to call them all LBDOs.*
>
> You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - they're all
> Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article on Surfbirds the year before it
> was published in Birding and I was really excited. I started using their
> proposed field marks and quickly realized I was finding way too many
> Short-billeds. That's why I posted the photos to ID Frontiers - I knew I
> was getting them wrong and I was willing to take my lumps to learn.
>
> Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the bill of SBDO it's
> almost useless for field identification. It was widely and extensively
> criticized when it came out but Birding never published the criticism. As
> Scott pointed out, the first pair of birds in my photos seems to illustrate
> the difference in loral angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually
> demonstrates why so many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't even
> work for the photos in their own article. Here's an excerpt from an email
> posted on ID Frontiers by Ron Pittaway, one of the experts listed in the
> article:
>
> "*7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 used to
> distinguish the two species are of questionable value. Loral angles should
> not to be trusted in the field and are of limited value in photos.
> According to the graph on page 36 the diagnostic loral angle is less than <
> 12 degrees for Long-billed Dowitcher and greater than > 27 degrees for
> Short-billed Dowitcher. Most birds, however, including the very examples in
> Figure A (18 degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide 12 27
> degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a tiny bit the loral
> angle is off. The loral angle suggests precision and objectivity; however,
> it is variable and subject to incorrect interpretations. For example, the
> bird labeled a Long-billed (it's a Short-billed as discussed in # 1 but
> corrected online) on page 34 keys out incorrectly to be a Long-billed using
> loral angle. Jean Iron and I went through The Shorebird Guide (O'Brien et
> al. 2006) keying out dowitchers using loral angles. Some Short-billed
> Dowitchers keyed out as Long-billed and vice versa. Try it yourself. This
> would be a good project for a birding class to do in the classroom using
> photos and comparing results.*"
>
> Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, understandably,
> being led astray by that article. Hence this post. If you don't want to end
> up getting even more confused about dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to
> the old field marks. They still work. Once you have good understanding of
> them many SBDOs are pretty straight forward to identify, but many aren't.
> When you think you have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope it calls to
> confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being unable to ID, or
> misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher ID is not for you. Just
> call them all "Dowitcher sp" because you will undoubtedly get some of them
> wrong.
>
> I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID dowitchers. It's still
> one of my favorite things to do. I love that it's hard to figure them out
> and that it adds to our understanding of species distribution during
> migration. And they'll let you walk right up to them for in your face
> views. My guess is SBDO is more regular in SW Idaho than the one accepted
> record in eBird suggests. If you want to find them do yourself a favor and
> don't waste your time on field marks that don't work.
>
> Cliff
>
>
> --
> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/4/24 8:01 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
On 5/3/24 10:36AM, Louisa Evers wrote: > *Just going to call them all LBDOs.* You nailed it Louisa. The opinions were unanimous - they're all Long-billeds. I read that Birch/Lee article on Surfbirds the year before it was published in Birding and I was really excited. I started using their proposed field marks and quickly realized I was finding way too many Short-billeds. That's why I posted the photos to ID Frontiers - I knew I was getting them wrong and I was willing to take my lumps to learn.
Forget the Birding article. Except for the kink in the bill of SBDO it's almost useless for field identification. It was widely and extensively criticized when it came out but Birding never published the criticism. As Scott pointed out, the first pair of birds in my photos seems to illustrate the difference in loral angles proposed by Birch/Lee but it actually demonstrates why so many experts criticized it. Loral angle doesn't even work for the photos in their own article. Here's an excerpt from an email posted on ID Frontiers by Ron Pittaway, one of the experts listed in the article:
"/7. Loral Angle ID: The loral angles shown on page 36 used to distinguish the two species are of questionable value. Loral angles should not to be trusted in the field and are of limited value in photos. According to the graph on page 36 the diagnostic loral angle is less than < 12 degrees for Long-billed Dowitcher and greater than > 27 degrees for Short-billed Dowitcher. Most birds, however, including the very examples in Figure A (18 degrees) and Figure B (22 degrees) fall in the wide 12 27 degrees overlap zone. If the bird's head is turned a tiny bit the loral angle is off. The loral angle suggests precision and objectivity; however, it is variable and subject to incorrect interpretations. For example, the bird labeled a Long-billed (it's a Short-billed as discussed in # 1 but corrected online) on page 34 keys out incorrectly to be a Long-billed using loral angle. Jean Iron and I went through The Shorebird Guide (O'Brien et al. 2006) keying out dowitchers using loral angles. Some Short-billed Dowitchers keyed out as Long-billed and vice versa. Try it yourself. This would be a good project for a birding class to do in the classroom using photos and comparing results./"
Based on comments in eBird checklists birders are still, understandably, being led astray by that article. Hence this post. If you don't want to end up getting even more confused about dowitcher ID (like I did), go back to the old field marks. They still work. Once you have good understanding of them many SBDOs are pretty straight forward to identify, but many aren't. When you think you have a Short-billed try to flush it and hope it calls to confirm the ID. If you're not comfortable being unable to ID, or misidentifying, some individuals then dowitcher ID is not for you. Just call them all "Dowitcher sp" because you will undoubtedly get some of them wrong.
I don't want to discourage anyone from trying to ID dowitchers. It's still one of my favorite things to do. I love that it's hard to figure them out and that it adds to our understanding of species distribution during migration. And they'll let you walk right up to them for in your face views. My guess is SBDO is more regular in SW Idaho than the one accepted record in eBird suggests. If you want to find them do yourself a favor and don't waste your time on field marks that don't work.
Cliff
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/3/24 9:37 am From: Louisa Evers via groups.io <elouisa603...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
No. Your guesses are likely to be so much better than mine. Just going to call them all LBDOs. The differences are too subtle and too inconsistent for me.
Louisa Evers <elouisa603...> Take care of the birds and you take care of the world
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 10:15 Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa= <octobersetters.com...> wrote:
> So would you be willing to enlighten us with your opinion of my guesses? > > Cliff > On 5/3/24 10:02AM, Louisa Evers wrote: > > I looked over your notes, the stuff in the two links you sent and remain > unenlightened. > > Louisa Evers > <elouisa603...> > Take care of the birds and you take care of the world > > > On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 07:32 Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa= > <octobersetters.com...> wrote: > >> Well, >> >> I'm surprised no one was willing to venture a guess on the ID of these >> dowitchers so I'll go ahead and add my guesses. Any opinions? Does anyone >> agree or disagree with my labels? Why? This is one of my favorite ID >> challenges and I'm still waiting for the roads to melt off so I can get to >> Island Park Reservoir and pick through some actual birds but this is going >> to have to suffice for now. >> >> Cliff >> >> My guesses are as follows: >> >> Photo #1 - LBDO on left, SBDO on right. >> Photo #2 - SBDO >> Photo #3 & 4 - SBDO >> Photo #5 & 6 - LBDO >> >> . >> On 5/1/24 09:17AM, Cliff Weisse wrote: >> >> Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried to apply >> the new field marks and became skeptical of their validity so I posted some >> photos to the ID Frontiers listserv requesting opinions. I'm going to put >> the photos below but withhold my guesses on the IDs and what the experts >> had to say for now. If you're up for the challenge take a look and try to >> ID them and see if you do better than I did. Which do you think are >> Long-billed and which are Short-billed? >> >> *These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.* >> >> >> *Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27 >> >> >> *Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20 >> >> >> >> *Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14 >> >> >> *Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14 >> >> >> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...> >> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...> >> >> -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...> > > > >
Date: 5/3/24 9:15 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
So would you be willing to enlighten us with your opinion of my guesses?
Cliff
On 5/3/24 10:02AM, Louisa Evers wrote: > I looked over your notes, the stuff in the two links you sent and > remain unenlightened. > > Louisa Evers > <elouisa603...> > Take care of the birds and you take care of the world > > > On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 07:32 Cliff Weisse via groups.io > <http://groups.io> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: > > Well, > > I'm surprised no one was willing to venture a guess on the ID of > these dowitchers so I'll go ahead and add my guesses. Any > opinions? Does anyone agree or disagree with my labels? Why? This > is one of my favorite ID challenges and I'm still waiting for the > roads to melt off so I can get to Island Park Reservoir and pick > through some actual birds but this is going to have to suffice for > now. > > Cliff > > My guesses are as follows: > > Photo #1 - LBDO on left, SBDO on right. > Photo #2 - SBDO > Photo #3 & 4 - SBDO > Photo #5 & 6 - LBDO > > . > > On 5/1/24 09:17AM, Cliff Weisse wrote: >> >> Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried >> to apply the new field marks and became skeptical of their >> validity so I posted some photos to the ID Frontiers listserv >> requesting opinions. I'm going to put the photos below but >> withhold my guesses on the IDs and what the experts had to say >> for now. If you're up for the challenge take a look and try to ID >> them and see if you do better than I did. Which do you think are >> Long-billed and which are Short-billed? >> >> *These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.* >> >> >> *Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27 >> >> >> *Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20 >> >> >> >> *Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14 >> >> >> *Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14 >> >> >> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, Idaho >> <cliffandlisa...> > > -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, Idaho > <cliffandlisa...> > >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/3/24 9:02 am From: Louisa Evers via groups.io <elouisa603...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
I looked over your notes, the stuff in the two links you sent and remain unenlightened.
Louisa Evers <elouisa603...> Take care of the birds and you take care of the world
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 07:32 Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa= <octobersetters.com...> wrote:
> Well, > > I'm surprised no one was willing to venture a guess on the ID of these > dowitchers so I'll go ahead and add my guesses. Any opinions? Does anyone > agree or disagree with my labels? Why? This is one of my favorite ID > challenges and I'm still waiting for the roads to melt off so I can get to > Island Park Reservoir and pick through some actual birds but this is going > to have to suffice for now. > > Cliff > > My guesses are as follows: > > Photo #1 - LBDO on left, SBDO on right. > Photo #2 - SBDO > Photo #3 & 4 - SBDO > Photo #5 & 6 - LBDO > > . > On 5/1/24 09:17AM, Cliff Weisse wrote: > > Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried to apply > the new field marks and became skeptical of their validity so I posted some > photos to the ID Frontiers listserv requesting opinions. I'm going to put > the photos below but withhold my guesses on the IDs and what the experts > had to say for now. If you're up for the challenge take a look and try to > ID them and see if you do better than I did. Which do you think are > Long-billed and which are Short-billed? > > *These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.* > > > *Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27 > > > *Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20 > > > > *Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14 > > > *Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14 > > > > -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...> > > -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, <Idahocliffandlisa...> > > > >
Date: 5/3/24 8:02 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] House Wren
Some sunshine, after scattered snow (melted rapidly) & rain most of the night, allowed for a walk around the place starting about an hour ago. Found my first House Wren of the season singing from a cottonwood perch.
Then, heard drumming on our metal home sign along the lane. Thought it sounded "softer" than the usual flicker pounding on our wood stove pipe cover. Surprised to see a Red-naped Sapsucker just drumming away!
Now, waiting for the Black-headed Grosbeaks to appear.
Date: 5/3/24 6:32 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
Well,
I'm surprised no one was willing to venture a guess on the ID of these dowitchers so I'll go ahead and add my guesses. Any opinions? Does anyone agree or disagree with my labels? Why? This is one of my favorite ID challenges and I'm still waiting for the roads to melt off so I can get to Island Park Reservoir and pick through some actual birds but this is going to have to suffice for now.
On 5/1/24 09:17AM, Cliff Weisse wrote: > > Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried to > apply the new field marks and became skeptical of their validity so I > posted some photos to the ID Frontiers listserv requesting opinions. > I'm going to put the photos below but withhold my guesses on the IDs > and what the experts had to say for now. If you're up for the > challenge take a look and try to ID them and see if you do better than > I did. Which do you think are Long-billed and which are Short-billed? > > *These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.* > > > *Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27 > > > *Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20 > > > > *Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14 > > > *Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14 > > > > -- > Cliff and Lisa Weisse > Island Park, Idaho > <cliffandlisa...> >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
On 5/1/24 03:24PM, Russ Manwaring wrote: > We attended a few days at the Tubac Hawk Watch where Common Black > Hawks are the featured celebrity to watch for; However on March 14th > the Swainson hawks were starting to show up. Do AZ migrants end up in > Idaho. I think most migrate thru CA. Attached Chart Shows Counts > > Russ Manwaring > Emmett, ID >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
We attended a few days at the Tubac Hawk Watch where Common Black Hawks are the featured celebrity to watch for; However on March 14th the Swainson hawks were starting to show up. Do AZ migrants end up in Idaho. I think most migrate thru CA. Attached Chart Shows Counts
Date: 5/1/24 10:32 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
I don't think they are candidates for lumping - they're just difficult to ID. But definitely not as big and easy as Sandhills. That's what makes them fun.
Cliff
On 5/1/24 11:24AM, Bill Moore wrote: > Superb candidates for lumping it seems to me, as there’s likely > subspecies in between, also sparrows and flycatchers. Give me big ones > like Sandhills, no questions on them. > > Bill Moore > Hoot Owl , home to nesting Sandhills > Inkom > >> On May 1, 2024, at 9:18 AM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io >> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >> >> >> >> I've been looking through eBird checklists that include Short-billed >> Dowitchers and a number of comments reminded me just how challenging >> it can be to ID breeding plumage adult dowitchers so I thought I'd >> throw out some things that have helped me. >> >> Before I get started I want to point out that the Andrew Birch / >> Cin-Ty Lee article which was published in Birding magazine has been >> widely criticized, for good reason. When I first became aware of it I >> was very excited. I read and reread it, studied the new "field >> marks", and when spring came I went out to pick through dowitchers >> (more on this later). Long story short, I found the article almost >> useless and was glad when others voiced their concerns about the >> field marks it presented. So, buyer beware. I won't go into details >> but I will say the only thing in the article that seems consistent >> (read useful) is the kink in the bill of Short-billed about 1/3 of >> the way back from the tip. It's a sharp kink, not an even curve. >> Long-billeds also can have a droop but it's less restricted (or more >> curved than kinked if that makes any sense?) and more towards the >> center of the bill. The kink is not always present but so far I've >> only seen this on birds that could be identified as Short-billeds >> using other field marks. >> >> Rather than start from scratch I'm going to copy some of what I've >> written in the past but I want to start by pointing out that the most >> important step when trying to ID dowitchers (or any shorebirds) is >> aging the birds. It's surprising how many ebird checklists include >> comments describing striped tertials on adults and spots on breast >> sides of juveniles. Both are irrelevant. Right now there are only >> adults - there are no juveniles in spring and adults of both species >> have stripes on their tertials. When fall migrants begin to appear >> you can find either age but they're easy to tell apart because the >> adults are worn and the juveniles are in fresh plumage. >> >> That said here are some thoughts on identifying adults in spring. >> Primary extension can be helpful but it is variable and some SBDOs do >> not show much, or any, extension beyond the tail. The right hand >> bird in this photo is a good example: >> >> <ivZi1pLB3b10EFbl.png> >> >> >> I still struggle with breeding plumage dowitchers but there are some >> things that seem to work. >> >> -Spots on the side of the breast. The left hand bird in the above >> photo has distinct spots on the side of the breast ahead of the >> wing. These spots are on the feather shaft well away from the tip of >> the feather and are diagnostic if present. >> -SBDO often shows quite a bit of white on the belly, flanks and/or >> vent, again like the left hand bird above. Here's another example >> that also shows obvious spots on the breast sides: >> <tAEmf05baKhwt8CF.png> >> >> -Orange of underparts is paler and more orange on SBDO, not as dark >> and rufous as LBDO. >> -SBDO has less black spotting on the center of the throat, often >> clean, unmarked orange that's quite distinctive. Here's another >> photo that illustrate these last two points (right hand bird). >> <s8Oh7q5FLoH80EN4.png> >> >> -Bill of SBDO often appears slightly drooped near the tip, but I've >> seen a couple LBDOs that appear to have a slight droop as well, >> albeit further from the tip of the bill, so I would suggest using >> this with caution. >> -Markings on edges of feathers and internal markings on scaps/coverts >> of SBDO are often paler golden buff than the rufous of LBDO. >> >> Hopefully you'll find some of this useful. I still try to verify >> identification by flushing possible SBDOs hoping they call and still >> leave some as ??? >> >> I recently found these pages that seem useful: >> http://tgreybirds.com/Pages/LongbilledDowitcherp.html >> http://tgreybirds.com/Pages/ShortbilledDowitcherp.html - this page >> details a Short-billed field mark I hadn't seen before. The pale tips >> of the flank feather are washed orange, not bright white as on >> Long-billed. So far this seems to be consistent but I don't know if >> it's totally reliable. >> >> Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried to >> apply the new field marks and became skeptical of their validity so I >> posted some photos to the ID Frontiers listserv requesting opinions. >> I'm going to put the photos below but withhold my guesses on the IDs >> and what the experts had to say for now. If you're up for the >> challenge take a look and try to ID them and see if you do better >> than I did. Which do you think are Long-billed and which are >> Short-billed? >> >> *These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.* >> >> <twobirds.jpg> >> >> *Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27 >> <dow3.jpg> >> >> *Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20 >> >> >> <dow1.jpg> >> <tail1.jpg> >> >> *Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14 >> <dow2.jpg> >> <tail2.jpg> >> >> *Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14 >> >> >> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, Idaho >> <cliffandlisa...> >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 5/1/24 8:18 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: [IBLE] Short-billed Dowitcher ID / ID Challenge
I've been looking through eBird checklists that include Short-billed Dowitchers and a number of comments reminded me just how challenging it can be to ID breeding plumage adult dowitchers so I thought I'd throw out some things that have helped me.
Before I get started I want to point out that the Andrew Birch / Cin-Ty Lee article which was published in Birding magazine has been widely criticized, for good reason. When I first became aware of it I was very excited. I read and reread it, studied the new "field marks", and when spring came I went out to pick through dowitchers (more on this later). Long story short, I found the article almost useless and was glad when others voiced their concerns about the field marks it presented. So, buyer beware. I won't go into details but I will say the only thing in the article that seems consistent (read useful) is the kink in the bill of Short-billed about 1/3 of the way back from the tip. It's a sharp kink, not an even curve. Long-billeds also can have a droop but it's less restricted (or more curved than kinked if that makes any sense?) and more towards the center of the bill. The kink is not always present but so far I've only seen this on birds that could be identified as Short-billeds using other field marks.
Rather than start from scratch I'm going to copy some of what I've written in the past but I want to start by pointing out that the most important step when trying to ID dowitchers (or any shorebirds) is aging the birds. It's surprising how many ebird checklists include comments describing striped tertials on adults and spots on breast sides of juveniles. Both are irrelevant. Right now there are only adults - there are no juveniles in spring and adults of both species have stripes on their tertials. When fall migrants begin to appear you can find either age but they're easy to tell apart because the adults are worn and the juveniles are in fresh plumage.
That said here are some thoughts on identifying adults in spring. Primary extension can be helpful but it is variable and some SBDOs do not show much, or any, extension beyond the tail. The right hand bird in this photo is a good example:
I still struggle with breeding plumage dowitchers but there are some things that seem to work.
-Spots on the side of the breast. The left hand bird in the above photo has distinct spots on the side of the breast ahead of the wing. These spots are on the feather shaft well away from the tip of the feather and are diagnostic if present. -SBDO often shows quite a bit of white on the belly, flanks and/or vent, again like the left hand bird above. Here's another example that also shows obvious spots on the breast sides:
-Orange of underparts is paler and more orange on SBDO, not as dark and rufous as LBDO. -SBDO has less black spotting on the center of the throat, often clean, unmarked orange that's quite distinctive. Here's another photo that illustrate these last two points (right hand bird).
-Bill of SBDO often appears slightly drooped near the tip, but I've seen a couple LBDOs that appear to have a slight droop as well, albeit further from the tip of the bill, so I would suggest using this with caution. -Markings on edges of feathers and internal markings on scaps/coverts of SBDO are often paler golden buff than the rufous of LBDO.
Hopefully you'll find some of this useful. I still try to verify identification by flushing possible SBDOs hoping they call and still leave some as ???
Now I want to revisit the Birding article. I went out and tried to apply the new field marks and became skeptical of their validity so I posted some photos to the ID Frontiers listserv requesting opinions. I'm going to put the photos below but withhold my guesses on the IDs and what the experts had to say for now. If you're up for the challenge take a look and try to ID them and see if you do better than I did. Which do you think are Long-billed and which are Short-billed?
*These photos were all taken on Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.*
*Photo #1: *This was taken on May 27
*Photo #2:* This one was taken on May 20
*Photos 3 & 4: *Taken on May 14
*Photos 5 & 6:* Taken on May 14
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 4/29/24 8:59 pm From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Coincidentally I saw my first Swainson's for the year north of the Snake River Plain in the Island Park area this afternoon.
Cliff
On 4/29/24 08:34PM, lcarrigan_55 wrote: > Thanks to all for the information & sightings of Swainson's Hawk & > info of spring arrival dates. Appreciate your info, Cliff. I'm > starting to review data on eBird more often, esp as spring warbler > migration gets underway. BTW, still waiting for my first spring > warbler this yr. > > I did see another Swainson's this afternoon. For our location, have > always considered them a "May" bird, as that's when a pair that used > to arrive...for a number of yrs...would appear & would nest on either > our place or neighboring farm. Unfortunately, after a good 15 yrs, > they stopped showing a couple of yrs ago. Definitely agree that > migration timing, even within same general region, is quite fascinating. > > Brian Carrigan > Blackfoot >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 4/29/24 7:34 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Thanks to all for the information & sightings of Swainson's Hawk & info of spring arrival dates. Appreciate your info, Cliff. I'm starting to review data on eBird more often, esp as spring warbler migration gets underway. BTW, still waiting for my first spring warbler this yr.
I did see another Swainson's this afternoon. For our location, have always considered them a "May" bird, as that's when a pair that used to arrive...for a number of yrs...would appear & would nest on either our place or neighboring farm. Unfortunately, after a good 15 yrs, they stopped showing a couple of yrs ago. Definitely agree that migration timing, even within same general region, is quite fascinating.
Date: 4/29/24 7:32 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
FWIW, Migration timing for Swainson's Hawks is very consistent and they show up in eastern Idaho/upper Snake River Plain during the second week of April. Earlier than that is unusual but there are typically a few records in the first week of April. eBird data bears that out. This year there was an obvious uptick in reports starting on the 12th. I've always been fascinated by this...
Cliff
On 4/28/24 08:56PM, Eric Rude wrote: > I saw one in Chubbuck on 4/12, then five more as I traveled along the > north side of the American Falls Reservoir (going from Sterling to > Ferry Butte) on 4/20. > > Eric > > On Sun, Apr 28, 2024 at 8:24 PM bike4birds via groups.io > <http://groups.io> <tmccabe9...> wrote: > > And they’ve been in Boise about the same. > > Tom > > *From:* <IBLE...> <IBLE...> *On Behalf Of *Tim > Reynolds via groups.io <http://groups.io> > *Sent:* Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:50 PM > *To:* <IBLE...> > *Subject:* Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two > > SWHA have been north of Idaho Falls for a week or two. > > *From:* <IBLE...> <IBLE...> *On Behalf Of *lcarrigan_55 > *Sent:* Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:16 PM > *To:* <IBLE...> > *Subject:* [IBLE] Not one, but two > > Just returned home after taking a Sun morning drive over to Sun > Valley. Coming back home, saw my first Swainson's Hawk of the year > at Carey. It flew right overhead, so I pulled over & put binocs on > it to confirm the field markings. Then, just NW of Blackfoot on > Hwy 26, saw my 2nd Swainson's of the day. I'm going to have to > check my records, but believe this is my earliest date of arrival > for Swainson's Hawk. > > Back home, still have good numbers of Cassin's Finches hitting the > sunflower seeds. Yesterday, counted at least 20. > > Brian Carrigan > Blackfoot > > > > -- > Eric Rude > Teacher: Forensic Science, Dual Credit Biology > Pocatello High School > Pocatello, Idaho >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Didn't you have that Harris's in you back yard a few years ago? You must
be serving up something good in your feeders. 😋 Yum.
On Sun, Apr 28, 2024, 8:30 PM siminovac via groups.io <nmiller=
<boisestate.edu...> wrote:
> Hello! Occasionally something cool shows up in my backyard. This morning
> I’ve had a juvenile Harris’s Sparrow hanging out along the canal behind my
> back fence with a couple dozen Juncos and a Song Sparrow.
>
>
>
> On the off chance that someone is interested in seeing it, the
> best/easiest way would be to go to the corner of Alpine and Wheeler St.,
> cross the railroad tracks, and look along north side of the canal. The
> flock has been moving around a bit. My backyard, which borders the canal on
> the north, has a big blue shed in it; the flock has been in that section
> for an hour or two.
>
>
>
> Nick Miller
>
> Boise
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
> Windows 10
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/28/24 7:56 pm From: Eric Rude via groups.io <rudeeric...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
I saw one in Chubbuck on 4/12, then five more as I traveled along the north
side of the American Falls Reservoir (going from Sterling to Ferry Butte)
on 4/20.
Eric
On Sun, Apr 28, 2024 at 8:24 PM bike4birds via groups.io <tmccabe9=
<outlook.com...> wrote:
> And they’ve been in Boise about the same.
>
> Tom
>
>
>
> *From:* <IBLE...> <IBLE...> *On Behalf Of *Tim Reynolds via
> groups.io
> *Sent:* Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:50 PM
> *To:* <IBLE...>
> *Subject:* Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
>
>
>
>
>
> SWHA have been north of Idaho Falls for a week or two.
>
> *From:* <IBLE...> <IBLE...> *On Behalf Of *lcarrigan_55
> *Sent:* Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:16 PM
> *To:* <IBLE...>
> *Subject:* [IBLE] Not one, but two
>
>
>
> Just returned home after taking a Sun morning drive over to Sun Valley.
> Coming back home, saw my first Swainson's Hawk of the year at Carey. It
> flew right overhead, so I pulled over & put binocs on it to confirm the
> field markings. Then, just NW of Blackfoot on Hwy 26, saw my 2nd Swainson's
> of the day. I'm going to have to check my records, but believe this is my
> earliest date of arrival for Swainson's Hawk.
>
> Back home, still have good numbers of Cassin's Finches hitting the
> sunflower seeds. Yesterday, counted at least 20.
>
> Brian Carrigan
> Blackfoot
>
>
>
>
--
Eric Rude
Teacher: Forensic Science, Dual Credit Biology
Pocatello High School
Pocatello, Idaho
Hello! Occasionally something cool shows up in my backyard. This morning I’ve had a juvenile Harris’s Sparrow hanging out along the canal behind my back fence with a couple dozen Juncos and a Song Sparrow.
On the off chance that someone is interested in seeing it, the best/easiest way would be to go to the corner of Alpine and Wheeler St., cross the railroad tracks, and look along north side of the canal. The flock has been moving around a bit. My backyard, which borders the canal on the north, has a big blue shed in it; the flock has been in that section for an hour or two.
Date: 4/28/24 7:24 pm From: bike4birds via groups.io <tmccabe9...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
And they’ve been in Boise about the same.
Tom
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of Tim Reynolds via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:50 PM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
SWHA have been north of Idaho Falls for a week or two.
From: <IBLE...><mailto:<IBLE...> <IBLE...><mailto:<IBLE...>> On Behalf Of lcarrigan_55
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:16 PM
To: <IBLE...><mailto:<IBLE...> Subject: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Just returned home after taking a Sun morning drive over to Sun Valley. Coming back home, saw my first Swainson's Hawk of the year at Carey. It flew right overhead, so I pulled over & put binocs on it to confirm the field markings. Then, just NW of Blackfoot on Hwy 26, saw my 2nd Swainson's of the day. I'm going to have to check my records, but believe this is my earliest date of arrival for Swainson's Hawk.
Back home, still have good numbers of Cassin's Finches hitting the sunflower seeds. Yesterday, counted at least 20.
Date: 4/28/24 6:21 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Interesting. Over our 35+ yrs along the Snake River, have found that areas of E ID to the north & east of us tend to get migrant songbirds a WK to 10 days before they start showing here. Have always watched the reports from Mud Lake & Camas, esp for warbler sightings. As, can usually count on seeing same here about a week later. Appears, works out with the Swainson's, too.
Date: 4/28/24 3:50 pm From: Tim Reynolds via groups.io <t.doyle...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Not one, but two
SWHA have been north of Idaho Falls for a week or two.
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of lcarrigan_55
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:16 PM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Just returned home after taking a Sun morning drive over to Sun Valley. Coming back home, saw my first Swainson's Hawk of the year at Carey. It flew right overhead, so I pulled over & put binocs on it to confirm the field markings. Then, just NW of Blackfoot on Hwy 26, saw my 2nd Swainson's of the day. I'm going to have to check my records, but believe this is my earliest date of arrival for Swainson's Hawk.
Back home, still have good numbers of Cassin's Finches hitting the sunflower seeds. Yesterday, counted at least 20.
Date: 4/28/24 3:15 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Not one, but two
Just returned home after taking a Sun morning drive over to Sun Valley. Coming back home, saw my first Swainson's Hawk of the year at Carey. It flew right overhead, so I pulled over & put binocs on it to confirm the field markings. Then, just NW of Blackfoot on Hwy 26, saw my 2nd Swainson's of the day. I'm going to have to check my records, but believe this is my earliest date of arrival for Swainson's Hawk.
Back home, still have good numbers of Cassin's Finches hitting the sunflower seeds. Yesterday, counted at least 20.
Today, have seen up to 18 Cassin's Finches (9 males & 9 females) at a time at the feeder. As noted in Sibley's, they tend to forage moreso on the ground for scattered seed, than up on the platform itself. Haven't seen this many in a number of years. Hope they're not done coming through!
Others: White-crowned Sparrows, House Finches, American Goldfinches, BC Chickadees, RB Nuthatches & RW Blackbirds visiting the black-oil sunflower seeds. I also put out the thistle seed feeder, in hopes of attracting Pine Siskins. The goldfinches found it, right off!
Thanks for the report, Bill. Guess I'll put a feeder out now. Given the vagaries of weather lately, was tentatively waiting for first of May. My first spring arrivals are usually Black-chinneds. So, will see when one shows up.
Date: 4/24/24 1:24 pm From: Bill Moore via groups.io <hootowlbill...> Subject: [IBLE] Hummer
First hummer just now, Broad Tail. Feeders have been up three or so days. We also have had Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Cassins Finches, with their baseball caps.
Date: 4/21/24 7:50 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Weekend Spring Arrivals
White-crowned Sparrows arrived this past week in good numbers & have been present daily around the feeder, feeding on scattered black-oil sunflower seeds. One of my faves came into the feeder yesterday, 2 pairs of male & female Cassin's Finches. Always a spring treat to see.
Today, showed the best bird of the weekend. A Long-billed Curlew near a friend's grassy pasture. Before all the area farms became laser-leveled & changed to pivots from flood irrigation, the Long-billeds were regular spring arrivals, and stayed well into summer. Now, a rare treat! This one was working a grassy depression along an old fence line.
Date: 4/19/24 5:01 pm From: Lynda Ackert via groups.io <lynda.ackert...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] red crossbill - eagle bike park
Hi Karl,
I live in one of the subdivisions (the smallest one, Eaglecrest) just across the road from the townhomes and bike park. In which neighborhood / subdivision did you see them?
Lynda Ackert
Eagle
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> on behalf of Karl Kosciuch <kosciuch...>
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 9:18:36 AM
To: <IBLE...> <IBLE...>
Subject: [IBLE] red crossbill - eagle bike park
There has been a flock of red crossbill in the pine trees in the neighborhood adjacent to Eagle bike park. Will be interesting to see how long the flock hangs around.
Date: 4/19/24 8:19 am From: Karl Kosciuch via groups.io <kosciuch...> Subject: [IBLE] red crossbill - eagle bike park
There has been a flock of red crossbill in the pine trees in the neighborhood adjacent to Eagle bike park. Will be interesting to see how long the flock hangs around.
