Believe I've got at least 3 nesting prs of Black-chinned Hummingbirds by watching visits to the nectar feeder. Male visits outnumber female visits by about 8:1. Indicates females are probably sitting on eggs now.
So, Bill Moore, are you getting your usual multitude of hummingbirds & variety, your direction?
Date: 5/31/26 7:56 am From: Lucian Davis via groups.io <lucianjdavis...> Subject: [IBLE] Bay-Breasted Warbler at Camas NWR
Intermountain Bird Observatory songbird banders just released a female Bay-breasted Warbler near the observation tower at Camas NWR in Jefferson County! Approximate location: 43.92833, -112.27006 - she was released from here but we just saw her fly off to the southeast and have not relocated her, although she did land in the sagebrush not too far from the path. She was originally caught around here: 43.92519, -112.27469, so she may return to that area.
I believe this is the 3rd state record if all records are on eBird.
She was banded and released as part of research efforts to understand water usage and its impact on migrating songbirds, with a federal permit from the USGS Bird Banding Lab.
Date: 5/22/26 8:57 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Juvenile American Robin
Yesterday, I saw my first juv American Robin of the year, spotted breast & begging parent for food, hopping around the backyard. I know of one Robin pair just starting their nest. Believe this juv Robin is probably the earliest I've seen here. Looking it up, had to have come from an egg laid in April. Shows how mild our winter was this year.
Believe a Black-chinned Hummingbird pair is working on, if not already, nesting, as well. They definitely hit the nectar feeder, but are great at fly-catching, too. Have watched them sallying forth from a high tree limb perch to nab midges mid-air. As they arrive, before much is blooming, think insects make up a large part of their diet, esp in early Spring.
Date: 5/21/26 8:00 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Western Tanager
Sitting on back deck with my morning coffee, watching Black-chinned Hummingbirds come into feeder. And, movement in a tree caught my eye: beautiful male Western Tanager. So, all my Spring birds have arrived!
