The great thing about being home is getting surprises while there.
Hello MoB-sters,
I work at a large table in the main kitchen/ living area of my home. I have 10 large windows to get lots of light in. Feeders appropriate to the season hang easily visible from my "normal" seating position.
Currently, I have 3-4 hummingbird feeders being monitored. At least two pairs of binoculars are an arm's length away as are two video cameras.
Today, however, from the other side, a small grey and brown bird with a whitish eyeline appeared and foraged among the foxtails, lead plant and tall composites only a few feet away from the windows closest to me. A long tail with white barred margins at the distal end, wagged sideways. I grabbed the binos to confirm the Bewick's Wren.
This is only my second record of Bewick's in Callaway co. in the past 8 years. Previously, (35 years ago) they used to breed in the barns and sheds which I found in the northern portion of the county, but the one spot was sold and the old tractors and other junk cleaned up. Never saw them there again!
As fall migration has begun to show daily signs here, I am guessing this is a bird that is at least wandering. Chris Barrigar feels 'his' birds migrate in Cole county. Perhaps there is a second small population remaining in Callaway county too. Or they could be remnant along the river hills into Montgomery and Warren counties.
Anyway, it was really fun to have this visitor. The highlight of my day.
Tim Barksdale Mokane, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
