Date: 9/15/26 8:28 am From: Jane Westervelt via groups.io <jwestervelt...> Subject: [IBLE] Fw: [obol] This is crazy. Eurasian kestrel
FYI - a second rarity found near the same spot as the blue rock thrush in Portland.....
________________________________
From: <obol-bounce...> <obol-bounce...> on behalf of Robert O'Brien <dmarc-noreply...>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 2:15 PM
To: obol <obol...>; Carole Hallett <carole.hallett...>; Matthew O'Brien <matthewobrien...>; Robert O'Brien <baro...>
Subject: [obol] This is crazy. Eurasian kestrel
As I said, crazy. 3 miles or so west of rock thrush along marine drive, me driving back to i205. Flew very strongly, 2 or more times the bulk of american kestrel, turned very sharply right in front of the car Reddish back, wings coming to a sharp point, in its crazy sharp turn, as in the attached macaulay library photo. I have experience with this bird years ago in nw WA state at a staked out bird there for many days.
Recognized this one immediately. Absolutely nothing else possible.
Believe it or, NOT. As you choose.
Drove back and forth that stretch many times afterward, but nothing more
Not my photo attached, me inside the moving car.
Date: 9/14/26 11:49 am From: Jane Westervelt via groups.io <jwestervelt...> Subject: [IBLE] Fw: [obol] Re: BLUE ROCK-THRUSH update
Fyi, for those not watching the Oregon birding scene. Being seen along the Columbia river in Portland... I'd love to go, if I didn't have obligations every day from now until next Tuesday!
Jane
________________________________
From: <obol-bounce...> <obol-bounce...> on behalf of Jesse Pline <dmarc-noreply...>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 6:47 AM
To: David Irons <dave59irons...>
Cc: <kevin...> <kevin...>; Lars Norgren <larspernorgren...>; OBOL <obol...>
Subject: [obol] Re: BLUE ROCK-THRUSH update
The Blue Rock-thrush is continuing this morning, 9/14/26 at 6:45 am, being seen by many.
45.6009791, -122.6416539
~Jesse Pline, CWR
Eugene, OR
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026, 6:49 PM David Irons <dmarc-noreply...><mailto:<dmarc-noreply...>> wrote:
For those who don't do Discord, the Blue Rock-Thrush was still be seen up to and a little after 6:00PM. From what I can glean from the most recent images (the east end of Hayden Island is easily discerned) and where folks are saying it is, the location is a little west of 33rd and Marine Drive (I think). It is along the shoreline near Buoy #2.
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 3:25 PM Kevin Scaldeferri <kevin...><mailto:<kevin...>> wrote:
The latest reports on Discord are that the bird flew towards Hayden Island about an hour ago and has not been relocated since.
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM Shawneen Finnegan <dmarc-noreply...><mailto:<dmarc-noreply...>> wrote:
The bird is continuing west past McCuddy’s Marina per Kelli Norman (about 10 minutes ago).
Shawneen
Date: 9/12/26 7:50 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Secretive Visitor
Suspect this bird comes through more regularly during their Fall migration than I'm aware. But, unless making its varied, chattering call, I rarely see it.
Just had a Yellow-breasted Chat come through, working its way through the understory of willow bushes. Its larger size, olive back & bright yellow breast in the sunlight, caught my eye. Completely silent as it came through. Down to just occasional singles of Fall migrants now.
Date: 9/11/26 7:32 am From: Bob Davis via groups.io <rhdavis...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Chickadee at Hummingbird feeder
Interesting behavior. Thanks for the input.
> On Sep 11, 2026, at 08:27, Jeff Brough - Idaho Falls via groups.io <brogjl...> wrote:
>
> That behavior wouldn't surprise me. This summer I put out a jelly cup for the Orioles, and had Chickadees, Finches, and even a Robin all coming in for a snack. That got me to wondering on how many other birds might utilize those resources. In past years I've also seen a Song Sparrow doing the same thing. Also, the Orioles, especially the juveniles, would attack the hummer feeder trying to get the nectar out.
>
Date: 9/11/26 7:30 am From: Jeff Brough - Idaho Falls via groups.io <brogjl...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Chickadee at Hummingbird feeder
That behavior wouldn't surprise me. This summer I put out a jelly cup for the Orioles, and had Chickadees, Finches, and even a Robin all coming in for a snack. That got me to wondering on how many other birds might utilize those resources. In past years I've also seen a Song Sparrow doing the same thing. Also, the Orioles, especially the juveniles, would attack the hummer feeder trying to get the nectar out.
Date: 9/10/26 9:14 pm From: Bob Davis via groups.io <rhdavis...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Chickadee at Hummingbird feeder
OK, thanks for the feedback. For some reason, the photo I posted did not come through.
> On Sep 10, 2026, at 17:47, rattlesnake4873 via groups.io <Rattlesnake4873...> wrote:
>
> I’ve had house finches and orioles at hummingbird feeders.
>
>
> Dean Jones
> "A world of facts lies outside and beyond the world of words." Thomas Huxley
> 208-859-0072
>
> On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 5:29 PM Bob Davis via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <rhdavis...> <mailto:<srv.net...>> wrote:
>> Not a behavior I’ve seen before. Has anyone else seen this? Is the bird likely going after the nectar or maybe a bug inside the feeder?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bob Davis
>> Idaho Falls
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 9/10/26 4:47 pm From: rattlesnake4873 via groups.io <Rattlesnake4873...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Chickadee at Hummingbird feeder
I’ve had house finches and orioles at hummingbird feeders.
Dean Jones
"A world of facts lies outside and beyond the world of words." Thomas Huxley
208-859-0072
On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 5:29 PM Bob Davis via groups.io <rhdavis=
<srv.net...> wrote:
> Not a behavior I’ve seen before. Has anyone else seen this? Is the bird
> likely going after the nectar or maybe a bug inside the feeder?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob Davis
> Idaho Falls
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/10/26 3:30 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] A Nice Surprise!
Correct, haven't seen a California Scrub Jay in E ID. So, this one was a Woodhouse's Jay. That's my bad. Knew they had been officially split, but I always called the interior version "Western" & the other "California", before the official designation. That was fault of my old ornithology prof, those were his designations. He predicted the "Western" would eventually be split, long before it became official.
Date: 9/10/26 1:20 pm From: rattlesnake4873 via groups.io <Rattlesnake4873...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] A Nice Surprise!
You likely has a Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay although we did have a California
Scrub-Jay in Weiser this year late winter.
Dean Jones
"A world of facts lies outside and beyond the world of words." Thomas Huxley
208-859-0072
On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 12:53 PM lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Heard a sound that I hadn't noted for a long while. Looked out in time to
> get binocs on a Western Scrub Jay at the feeder. Had to convince myself
> what I was seeing & get all the field marks. Visited the sunflower seeds
> twice before exiting into the river bottoms. Looked it up in my ID Bird
> Distribution &, sure enough, transient for my latilong. Will keep eyes &
> ears open to see if any others appear. Think weather to our south may have
> shifted this one north, a bit.
>
> Brian Carrigan
> Blackfoot
>
>
>
Date: 9/10/26 11:54 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] A Nice Surprise!
Heard a sound that I hadn't noted for a long while. Looked out in time to get binocs on a Western Scrub Jay at the feeder. Had to convince myself what I was seeing & get all the field marks. Visited the sunflower seeds twice before exiting into the river bottoms. Looked it up in my ID Bird Distribution &, sure enough, transient for my latilong. Will keep eyes & ears open to see if any others appear. Think weather to our south may have shifted this one north, a bit.
Date: 9/8/26 8:27 am From: R L ROWLAND RONALD ROWLAND via groups.io <rlrowland...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Bird life of Texas
Karl, RL here.
I am interested. I have a fondness for older bird books.
I live here in SE Boise. We can meet later today or I will be over your way tomorrow. Are you asking anything for them or just find them a good home?
My email: <rlrowland...> Good Birding (CGB). RL
On Mon, 7 Sep, 2026 at 4:49 PM, Karl Kosciuch via groups.io <kosciuch...> wrote:
To: <ible...>
I have a nice copy of the 1974 two volume pressing. If you are interested let me know and it's all yours. My preference is to meet you at the WinCo in Eagle to deliver the books to you.
Date: 9/7/26 3:49 pm From: Karl Kosciuch via groups.io <kosciuch...> Subject: [IBLE] Bird life of Texas
I have a nice copy of the 1974 two volume pressing. If you are interested let me know and it's all yours. My preference is to meet you at the WinCo in Eagle to deliver the books to you.
Date: 9/6/26 2:13 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Pulled the Hummingbird Feeder
I've had a handful of straggler Warblers come thru the past sev days: singles of MacGillivray's, Yellow & Wilson's. Did have a half dozen W Tanagers, mainly juvs in a group, & one White-breasted Nuthatch. Red-breasted stay yr round now. But, my hummingbirds seemed to have pulled out & only critters coming into the feeder were yellow jackets.
Date: 9/5/26 1:14 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Pulled the Hummingbird Feeder
Pulled the hummingbird feeder this AM. Activity had stopped. Correspondence with a naturalist in Colorado found that they experienced a noticeable decrease at their feeders, this Fall, too. And, are near pulling theirs, as well.
What I lost in hummingbird activity though, seems to have been more than compensated by Spotted Towhee activity, this season! I've counted no fewer than 25 on the place today. One group, back in the woods, had at least 8 birds. In the yard, have counted 5 at a time, in separate groups. Must have had a really successful hatch season this yr.
Think it must have been this summer's excessive heat, combined with wildfires, that disrupted usual migration corridors. Aug into first couple wks of Sept has been really good, past few Falls, for Rufous & Calliope Hummingbirds coming through. Haven't seen a single Calliope & the handful of Rufous came thru in July. I've seen a single juv female Black-chinned past few days. About ready to just pull my feeder.
Date: 8/31/26 10:03 am From: Bill Moore via groups.io <hootowlbill...> Subject: [IBLE] Hoot Owl Hummers
They are heading off. Last week was nine feeders, this week much less. We’ll be down to one feeder partially full today. Only chickadees and goldfinches now on sunflowers.
Looks as if Fall migration is simply passing me by. Seemingly overnight, Gray Catbirds are gone, down to 1 or 2 BH Grosbeaks & 1 juv BC Hummingbird. Yellow Warblers, Bullock's Orioles, W Tanagers...all gone. Zero Calliope & Broad-tailed Hummers. A few Rufous mid-July, zero since. Had 5-6 Western Wood-Pewees, up until today, overnight...gone.
Largest number of platform feeder birds are now House Finches & BC Chickadees. Will see what next few wks brings.
Date: 8/24/26 6:45 pm From: Ken Miracle via groups.io <chukar28...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
You're welcome I have been blessed to photograph a lot of age groups in a lot of different light over the years and many of them only 10 to 30 minutes away by foot along the Boise River.
> On Aug 24, 2026, at 9:33 AM, John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the pics Ken. It happened so fast and was over in a flash, but upon further review it most likely was an immature bald eagle. I was watching the heron escape so I didn't get as long a look at the eagle. We saw quite a few immature balds but none had a golden hue. Your pics certainly help!
>
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: 8/24/26 9:12 am From: Ken Miracle via groups.io <chukar28...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
Cliff, I have not spent nearly as much time as you there but the only Goldens I saw there were a couple up on the top near where the access road starts down to the TNC camp at least where it used to be. I have not been back there for about 7 years and the 2 TNC empoloyees that I traveled with and set my schedule are no longer with TNC one retired and the other moved to Figi … so I have not kept up on the status of the old TNC camp in the Canyon.
> On Aug 24, 2026, at 9:32 AM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> wrote:
>
> FWIW, I've been guiding on the South Fork of the Snake since 1989 and I've never seen a Golden Eagle down low along the river. There are indeed Goldens nesting in the canyon section and when I see them they're invariably soaring way up high. My money is on juvenile Bald Eagle.
>
> Cliff
>
> On 8/24/26 09:21AM, Ken Miracle via groups.io wrote:
>> What a cool encounter no matter which Eagle it was. A Golden Eagle there would be less likely than a Juvenile or Immature Bald Eagle. Also Bald Eagles are much more likely to be harassing Great Blue Herons and Ospreys. Could you see a golden nape on the eagle? Or was it close enough with legs extended to see if it had feathers all the way down the legs to the feet a Golden has that but not a Bald. If there was any white on the undersides of the bird where was it. An immature Golden will have white patches at the base of the primaries in the wings and at the base of the tail an Adult Golden will not have any white. The beak on a Golden is also shorter/smaller than the more elongated beak of a Bald Eagle. A Juvenile, hatch year, Bald Eagle will have a very dark head and body with varying degrees of white in the underside of the wings and tail but the white will not be in the same places as an immature Golden.
>>
>> I spent quite a bit of time over there volunteering with The Nature Conservancy in my first 10 years of retirement. Most of the time out of their camp in the canyon stretch. Yes I did get a chance to fish once in a while.
>>
>> For reference here some photos I have taken of Bald Eagles at the age when they are most often mistaken for Golden Eagles.
>>
>> <_KMM3192.jpeg><Z91_0880.jpeg><Z91_0883.jpeg><Z91_1879.jpeg><Z91_8787.jpeg><Z91_9176.jpeg><Z91_9183.jpeg><Z91_9186.jpeg>
>>
>>> On Aug 24, 2026, at 7:51 AM, John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> <mailto:<jsecho03...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Saw a pretty incredible, dramatic episode while floating the South Fork of the Snake River the other day. That river is loaded with Bald Eagles, Osprey and other large birds. So seeing two large birds flying towards us wasn't out of the ordinary... until they were almost upon us and we saw, what I'm pretty sure was a Golden Eagle attacking, at high speed, a Great Blue Heron. At the last second, maybe 40' above our raft, the eagle broke off the chase and the heron flew safely away. One of those "did we really just see that?" moments.
>>>
>>
>> Ken Miracle
>> <chukar28...> <mailto:<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
>>
> --
> Cliff and Lisa Weisse
> Island Park, Idaho
> <cliffandlisa...> <mailto:<cliffandlisa...> >
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: 8/24/26 8:33 am From: John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
Thanks for the pics Ken. It happened so fast and was over in a flash, but upon further review it most likely was an immature bald eagle. I was watching the heron escape so I didn't get as long a look at the eagle. We saw quite a few immature balds but none had a golden hue. Your pics certainly help!
Date: 8/24/26 8:32 am From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
FWIW, I've been guiding on the South Fork of the Snake since 1989 and I've never seen a Golden Eagle down low along the river. There are indeed Goldens nesting in the canyon section and when I see them they're invariably soaring way up high. My money is on juvenile Bald Eagle.
Cliff
On 8/24/26 09:21AM, Ken Miracle via groups.io wrote: > What a cool encounter no matter which Eagle it was. A Golden Eagle > there would be less likely than a Juvenile or Immature Bald Eagle. > Also Bald Eagles are much more likely to be harassing Great Blue > Herons and Ospreys. Could you see a golden nape on the eagle? Or was > it close enough with legs extended to see if it had feathers all the > way down the legs to the feet a Golden has that but not a Bald. If > there was any white on the undersides of the bird where was it. An > immature Golden will have white patches at the base of the primaries > in the wings and at the base of the tail an Adult Golden will not have > any white. The beak on a Golden is also shorter/smaller than the more > elongated beak of a Bald Eagle. A Juvenile, hatch year, Bald Eagle > will have a very dark head and body with varying degrees of white in > the underside of the wings and tail but the white will not be in the > same places as an immature Golden. > > I spent quite a bit of time over there volunteering with The Nature > Conservancy in my first 10 years of retirement. Most of the time out > of their camp in the canyon stretch. Yes I did get a chance to fish > once in a while. > > For reference here some photos I have taken of Bald Eagles at the age > when they are most often mistaken for Golden Eagles. > > _KMM3192.jpegZ91_0880.jpegZ91_0883.jpegZ91_1879.jpegZ91_8787.jpegZ91_9176.jpegZ91_9183.jpegZ91_9186.jpeg > >> On Aug 24, 2026, at 7:51 AM, John Schmidt via groups.io >> <jsecho03...> wrote: >> >> Saw a pretty incredible, dramatic episode while floating the South >> Fork of the Snake River the other day. That river is loaded with Bald >> Eagles, Osprey and other large birds. So seeing two large birds >> flying towards us wasn't out of the ordinary... until they were >> almost upon us and we saw, what I'm pretty sure was a Golden Eagle >> attacking, at high speed, a Great Blue Heron. At the last second, >> maybe 40' above our raft, the eagle broke off the chase and the heron >> flew safely away. One of those "did we really just see that?" moments. > > 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 > >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
Date: 8/24/26 8:21 am From: Ken Miracle via groups.io <chukar28...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
What a cool encounter no matter which Eagle it was. A Golden Eagle there would be less likely than a Juvenile or Immature Bald Eagle. Also Bald Eagles are much more likely to be harassing Great Blue Herons and Ospreys. Could you see a golden nape on the eagle? Or was it close enough with legs extended to see if it had feathers all the way down the legs to the feet a Golden has that but not a Bald. If there was any white on the undersides of the bird where was it. An immature Golden will have white patches at the base of the primaries in the wings and at the base of the tail an Adult Golden will not have any white. The beak on a Golden is also shorter/smaller than the more elongated beak of a Bald Eagle. A Juvenile, hatch year, Bald Eagle will have a very dark head and body with varying degrees of white in the underside of the wings and tail but the white will not be in the same places as an immature Golden.
I spent quite a bit of time over there volunteering with The Nature Conservancy in my first 10 years of retirement. Most of the time out of their camp in the canyon stretch. Yes I did get a chance to fish once in a while.
For reference here some photos I have taken of Bald Eagles at the age when they are most often mistaken for Golden Eagles.

> On Aug 24, 2026, at 7:51 AM, John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> wrote:
>
> Saw a pretty incredible, dramatic episode while floating the South Fork of the Snake River the other day. That river is loaded with Bald Eagles, Osprey and other large birds. So seeing two large birds flying towards us wasn't out of the ordinary... until they were almost upon us and we saw, what I'm pretty sure was a Golden Eagle attacking, at high speed, a Great Blue Heron. At the last second, maybe 40' above our raft, the eagle broke off the chase and the heron flew safely away. One of those "did we really just see that?" moments.
>
>
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: 8/24/26 7:53 am From: Micah Austin via groups.io <micahaustin...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Here in Ammon, the numbers of hummingbirds have been consistent and perhaps a little higher than usual. The Rufous Hummingbird number have been particularly high this year. Over the past seven days, we will observe 6-10 individuals at the same time in the evenings, which is not common for us. The Black Chinned Hummingbirds have been consistent with past years. Those are the two species we observe with regularity.
Micah AustinAmmon, ID
On Monday, August 24, 2026 at 08:06:13 AM MDT, Richard and Ann Rusnak via groups.io <rarusnak62...> wrote:
All, Hummer numbers at our SW Boise place are holding consistent with previous years. Which is to say, only 2-4 all season, and only BCHU’s. Currently the 3 juvenile BC’s continue to hang around, possibly influenced by a plethora of dense flowers, which they feed on regularly. Last year the BC’s stayed later than any of my 5 seasons at this location, last sighting about 9/12.At our Valley Co place near Cascade, last week we still had 5 BCHU’s, only one appeared to be an adult, at our feeders, with no sightings there of Calliope or Rufous in many weeks.Happy Birding All, Rich
On Aug 23, 2026, at 15:00, Tom & Susan Soniville via groups.io <tomnsueid...> wrote:
Brian, We live in the West Bench area of Boise and noticed a drop off in humming birds last year. So far this year the sightings have plummeted. My semi-scientific way of measuring this is by the number of humming bird pictures have taken over the last three years. For 2026, I have taken approximately 70% fewer pictures than 2025, to date. In 2025 I took about 20% few pictures than 2024. We also are not having to fill the hummingbird feeders nearly as often, this year, as well. Friends that live within a few miles of us have also noticed the drop off in sightings. What I don’t know is if this pattern holds in other parts of Boise, or the Treasure Valley. May just be someone has prettier and more aromatic flowers in their garden five miles away from us and we just need to up our gardening game. Tom Soniville From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of Bill Moore via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 9:26 AM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration We’ve been over in Oregon with my daughter for a week or so. Still had plenty last Monday. BillHoot Owl
On Aug 23, 2026, at 8:23 AM, lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> wrote:
Bill Moore, if you see this, suspect you're probably getting dozens. But, curious, have you noticed any decrease in your hummingbird numbers??? Any other folks out there have info on hummingbird migration? Brian Carrigan Blackfoot
Date: 8/24/26 7:06 am From: Richard and Ann Rusnak via groups.io <rarusnak62...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
All, Hummer numbers at our SW Boise place are holding consistent with previous years. Which is to say, only 2-4 all season, and only BCHU’s. Currently the 3 juvenile BC’s continue to hang around, possibly influenced by a plethora of dense flowers, which they feed on regularly. Last year the BC’s stayed later than any of my 5 seasons at this location, last sighting about 9/12.
At our Valley Co place near Cascade, last week we still had 5 BCHU’s, only one appeared to be an adult, at our feeders, with no sightings there of Calliope or Rufous in many weeks.
Happy Birding All, Rich

> On Aug 23, 2026, at 15:00, Tom & Susan Soniville via groups.io <tomnsueid...> wrote:
>
> Brian,
>
> We live in the West Bench area of Boise and noticed a drop off in humming birds last year. So far this year the sightings have plummeted. My semi-scientific way of measuring this is by the number of humming bird pictures have taken over the last three years. For 2026, I have taken approximately 70% fewer pictures than 2025, to date. In 2025 I took about 20% few pictures than 2024. We also are not having to fill the hummingbird feeders nearly as often, this year, as well. Friends that live within a few miles of us have also noticed the drop off in sightings.
>
> What I don’t know is if this pattern holds in other parts of Boise, or the Treasure Valley. May just be someone has prettier and more aromatic flowers in their garden five miles away from us and we just need to up our gardening game.
>
> Tom Soniville
>
>
>
> From: <IBLE...> <mailto:<IBLE...> <IBLE...> <mailto:<IBLE...>> On Behalf Of Bill Moore via groups.io <http://groups.io/> > Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 9:26 AM
> To: <IBLE...> <mailto:<IBLE...> > Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
>
> We’ve been over in Oregon with my daughter for a week or so. Still had plenty last Monday.
>
> Bill
> Hoot Owl
>
>
> On Aug 23, 2026, at 8:23 AM, lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <carriganbw...> <mailto:<carriganbw...>> wrote:
>
>
> Bill Moore, if you see this, suspect you're probably getting dozens. But, curious, have you noticed any decrease in your hummingbird numbers??? Any other folks out there have info on hummingbird migration?
>
> Brian Carrigan
> Blackfoot
>
> --
> Tom Soniville
> Boise. West Bench
>
Date: 8/24/26 6:59 am From: Diann Stone via groups.io <dstoneak2id...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
Thanks for sharing the incredible and dramatic interaction between the two
birds. That would capture my attention, for sure.
Diann Stone
Boise Depot Bench
Diann
On Mon, Aug 24, 2026, 7:51 AM John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Saw a pretty incredible, dramatic episode while floating the South Fork of
> the Snake River the other day. That river is loaded with Bald Eagles,
> Osprey and other large birds. So seeing two large birds flying towards us
> wasn't out of the ordinary... until they were almost upon us and we saw,
> what I'm pretty sure was a Golden Eagle attacking, at high speed, a Great
> Blue Heron. At the last second, maybe 40' above our raft, the eagle broke
> off the chase and the heron flew safely away. One of those "did we really
> just see that?" moments.
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/24/26 6:51 am From: John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> Subject: [IBLE] Golden Eagle vs Great Blue Heron
Saw a pretty incredible, dramatic episode while floating the South Fork of the Snake River the other day. That river is loaded with Bald Eagles, Osprey and other large birds. So seeing two large birds flying towards us wasn't out of the ordinary... until they were almost upon us and we saw, what I'm pretty sure was a Golden Eagle attacking, at high speed, a Great Blue Heron. At the last second, maybe 40' above our raft, the eagle broke off the chase and the heron flew safely away. One of those "did we really just see that?" moments.
Date: 8/24/26 6:45 am From: John Schmidt via groups.io <jsecho03...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Here in the hills east of Pocatello, Moonlight Mine area, the hummingbird numbers are noticeably decreased, but those that are here are quite active! One thing we've noticed this year is a lack of Rufous. We had an early (July 4) female and male arrival but they only stayed a day or two. Since then, just an occasional female.
Date: 8/23/26 9:54 pm From: Mike via groups.io <strix.nebulosa1987...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
I am in Washington west of Sandpoint and Priest River. I can say that the hummers have all but disappeared around my place. Like Brian I have been seen good numbers of catbirds the last couple of years with multiple pairs in my neighborhood still.
Mike Munts
Colville, WA
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of lcarrigan_55 via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 6:27 PM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Thanks for the responses. Today, have seen one adult male BC & a juv BC Hummingbird at feeder. Both have hit feeder sev times. Think this summer's heat & wildfires have thrown others into a different migration route. As it cools, will see if more show. In past yrs, by now, typical to have had regular visits by Rufous (a handful last mo), Calliope & Broad-tailed.
Did just have a lone Pine Siskin show at platform feeder. And, have 4-5 Gray Catbirds in backyard stream willows this summer. Have nested there for sev yrs now. A Wilson's Warbler earlier today.
Date: 8/23/26 6:27 pm From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Thanks for the responses. Today, have seen one adult male BC & a juv BC Hummingbird at feeder. Both have hit feeder sev times. Think this summer's heat & wildfires have thrown others into a different migration route. As it cools, will see if more show. In past yrs, by now, typical to have had regular visits by Rufous (a handful last mo), Calliope & Broad-tailed.
Did just have a lone Pine Siskin show at platform feeder. And, have 4-5 Gray Catbirds in backyard stream willows this summer. Have nested there for sev yrs now. A Wilson's Warbler earlier today.
Date: 8/23/26 2:51 pm From: bike4birds via groups.io <tmccabe9...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
I live in the North End of Boise, and I haven't seen a big drop in hummers. I have 3 feeders scattered around a yard that is full of colorful flowers. Sometimes we see them at the feeders and other times they ae at the flowers. Compared to last year, this year has been more productive. Almost all have been Black-chinned, with a few sightings of Rufous.
Tom McCabe
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From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> on behalf of Tom & Susan Soniville via groups.io <tomnsueid...>
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 3:00 PM
To: <IBLE...> <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Brian,
We live in the West Bench area of Boise and noticed a drop off in humming birds last year. So far this year the sightings have plummeted. My semi-scientific way of measuring this is by the number of humming bird pictures have taken over the last three years. For 2026, I have taken approximately 70% fewer pictures than 2025, to date. In 2025 I took about 20% few pictures than 2024. We also are not having to fill the hummingbird feeders nearly as often, this year, as well. Friends that live within a few miles of us have also noticed the drop off in sightings.
What I don’t know is if this pattern holds in other parts of Boise, or the Treasure Valley. May just be someone has prettier and more aromatic flowers in their garden five miles away from us and we just need to up our gardening game.
Tom Soniville
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of Bill Moore via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 9:26 AM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
We’ve been over in Oregon with my daughter for a week or so. Still had plenty last Monday.
Bill
Hoot Owl
On Aug 23, 2026, at 8:23 AM, lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...><mailto:<carriganbw...>> wrote:
Bill Moore, if you see this, suspect you're probably getting dozens. But, curious, have you noticed any decrease in your hummingbird numbers??? Any other folks out there have info on hummingbird migration?
Date: 8/23/26 2:00 pm From: Tom & Susan Soniville via groups.io <tomnsueid...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Brian,
We live in the West Bench area of Boise and noticed a drop off in humming birds last year. So far this year the sightings have plummeted. My semi-scientific way of measuring this is by the number of humming bird pictures have taken over the last three years. For 2026, I have taken approximately 70% fewer pictures than 2025, to date. In 2025 I took about 20% few pictures than 2024. We also are not having to fill the hummingbird feeders nearly as often, this year, as well. Friends that live within a few miles of us have also noticed the drop off in sightings.
What I don’t know is if this pattern holds in other parts of Boise, or the Treasure Valley. May just be someone has prettier and more aromatic flowers in their garden five miles away from us and we just need to up our gardening game.
Tom Soniville
From: <IBLE...> <IBLE...> On Behalf Of Bill Moore via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2026 9:26 AM
To: <IBLE...>
Subject: Re: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
We’ve been over in Oregon with my daughter for a week or so. Still had plenty last Monday.
Bill
Hoot Owl
On Aug 23, 2026, at 8:23 AM, lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...><mailto:<carriganbw...>> wrote:
Bill Moore, if you see this, suspect you're probably getting dozens. But, curious, have you noticed any decrease in your hummingbird numbers??? Any other folks out there have info on hummingbird migration?
Date: 8/23/26 8:23 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Fall Hummingbird Migration
Bill Moore, if you see this, suspect you're probably getting dozens. But, curious, have you noticed any decrease in your hummingbird numbers??? Any other folks out there have info on hummingbird migration?
Date: 8/22/26 9:03 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Yard Bird #183
It's been 2 yrs since I've had a new yard bird. Was clearing trail back in our riparian cottonwood stretch after a windstorm last night. I always have my binocs handy. Spotted a warbler with bright yellow side bars when it fanned its tail. Got all the field marks: overall gray & gray head with a hint of yellow below front wings & flashing its yellow-barred tail as it worked thru middle story of sumac & cottonwoods.
Had to wait til I got back to the house & Sibley's shows a 1st yr female American Redstart. Many yrs since I've seen a Redstart. My old 2nd ed of ID Bird Distribution by Stephens & Sturts shows it to be transient for my latilong. Exciting, as appears Fall migration thru my area has been impacted by this summer's heat. Most of my Yellow Warblers & Black-headed Grosbeaks have already left. And, sadly, my hummingbird numbers are almost non-existent, now. Hoping for cooler temps & more of an influx of Fall migrants.
Date: 8/16/26 9:13 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] N Saw-whet Owl
Good owl findings, your direction!
Over the yrs, along the Snake of E ID, have GH Owl & W Screech as residents, fairly regular Saw-whet, N Pygmy (once), Great Gray (flyover), Long-eared (stayed around about a week), Barn Owl (occasional) & Short-eared (flyover). Never a Flammulated. But, know of one window strike demise of a Boreal a mile west of me, yrs ago.
