10-16-13 Bird Field Note

10-16-13 Bird Field Note

October 16, 2013

The bird crew recounts the last weeks shrubby draw surveys, plus raptor and songbird banding efforts. Highlights include a Pacific Wren, a Lincoln Sparow, and a Merlin and Sharp-shinned Hawk caught within minutes of each other.

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10-11-13 Bird Field Note

Most October mornings begin with frost.

The frost transitions to dew drops that highlight the changing colors of fall foliage.

Adam emerges from the floodplain raptor blind to briefly enjoy the fall sunshine and cottonwood colors.

He pops the pigeon lure as a pair of rainbows migrate down the valley.

A Belted Kingfisher intently watches the water for signs of movement.

The last three weeks brought both our highest and lowest numbers of bird detections in the shrubby draws

Birds detected in shrubby draw surveys 9/22, 9/30, and 10/8/13

One of many Mountain Bluebirds migrating through western Montana right now.

American Goldfinches congregate near late sunflower blossoms on the draw edges. We are examining the goldfinch flocks for signs of the Lesser Goldfinch.