Daggett Creek

In the springtime I enjoy a trip upriver, just a bit into the mountains, to Daggett Creek. The dense willows provide habitat for many types of birds. Cyndi and I saw this Cassin's Vireo there, and I remember well how long and hard I searched to see one of these in years past.

This was also the location I first saw a Warbling Vireo, and a pair-bonded couple was engaged in nest construction at that time. This year I found a completed nest. Both parents were foraging and returning with insects to the nest, so I presume there were young inside the nest. Here's a picture of Mom checking the nest's integrity.

Of course, the resident Dipper is an old friend by now. I recall seeing it singing at dusk in the cold winter season ... now it is happily traveling up and down the edge of the stream foraging for food. It nearly stepped on my toes as it walked upstream past me.

Arizona's hummingbirds really set the stage for a year of great hummingbird viewing ... here's the Black-chinned in Idaho!

The Lazuli Bunting is a colorful sight. I suppose they could be confused with a Bluebird, but the white wing bars help to distinguish them. The females are more of a brown or tan color, and I often wonder what they are, until I remember that they look so different from the males.

This Calliope Hummingbird was fearless, perching right next to me and scanning the sky for insects to eat. Not everyone realizes that hummingbirds eat quite a few insects for protein to supplement the flower nectar they're famous for consuming.

Sunset Serenade

Last week I just had to enjoy a visit to the enchanting spot where Daggett Creek flows into Mores Creek. The rain has melted the snow here in my yard, but with that slight elevation gain as I drive up into the Boise Mountains comes a return to winter. An iced-over river, some sunset glow reflected between dark evergreen shapes, and in the middle of it all a vibrant, bubbling song.

And, there, on a rock where Daggett Creek flows into Mores Creek sits a Dipper, alternately singing and preening in the sunset light.

Daggett Creek

In the spring I like to head a short distance into the mountains not too far from Boise to enjoy the cooler air and the birds that follow the streams and rivers as they migrate and seek nesting areas. This is Mores Creek, which flows into the Boise River.

This Osprey was circling overhead and watching me warily. Perhaps it was trying to gum up my camera lens so I would leave.

The Dipper was gathering nesting materials and taking them to a nest being constructed under the bridge.

I found some Red Crossbills feeding in a pine tree. It was the first time I had ever seen one. I scrambled up a hillside and hung onto a tree to try to get closer to eye level with them. They feed in the tops of trees, prying open conifer cones with their odd, curved bills. The females, like this one, are yellowish. The males are red.

The Yellow-breasted Chat do an odd courtship flight, almost hovering, moving slowly through the air with their tail and wings spread wide, the yellow throat puffed out and waved like a flag.

There were many swallows flying low over the water, catching insects. I think this is the first Barn Swallow in flight that I've managed to focus on and photograph.

There were many Lazuli Buntings, both males and females. The males wear the bright blue that gives them their name.

And, my favorite image of the day is this Calliope Hummingbird that came and perched very close to my head. They have long, purple feathers on their gorget. It was a fun way to spend a day off from work.