07-16-14 Bird Field Note

07-16-14 Bird Field Note

July 16, 2014

Debbie Leick's Bird Field Note shows a Hermit Thrush, an American Three-toed Woodpecker, and a bull snake.

Male American Three-toed Woodpecker

A female Dusky Grouse tried to lead me away from her young with a flurry of wing flaps and soft clucks. When the chicks flushed, one flew to the safety of a conifer branch.

A hungry Yellow-rumped Warbler fledgling begged from its perch. Its busy mother arrived with food and flew away to find more.

A Chipping Sparrow prepared a mouthful for its young.

Lichen camouflaged a hummingbird nest in a dark corner of upper Baldy Draw. Spider and caterpillar silk lined the soft interior. I got brief glances at the owner, but could not determine if she was a Calliope or Rufous Hummingbird.

A Brewer’s Sparrow fashioned her cup nest from grass and twigs.

A decomposed raptor caught my eye. Based on its size, the brown feathers, and a feathered foot, we suspect this may be a juvenile Northern Saw-whet Owl.