Date: 10/31/25 9:07 am From: lcarrigan_55 via groups.io <carriganbw...> Subject: [IBLE] Townsend's Solitaires
After one of the best Yellow-rumped Warbler fall migrations I've had in years, place is quieting down with less bird song, as winter approaches. BC Chickadees & House Finches are the primary feeder visitors now, with an occasional RB Nuthatch. One of my faves has made its altitudinal migration, from lonely mtn canyon haunts, down to our Snake River Bottoms & its supply of Rocky Mtn Junipers filled with berries this year.
I always enjoy the Solitaires staking out certain junipers & actively defending them against intruders: mainly other Solitaires & Am Robins. And, they're masters of voice projection with their 2-note repetitive call. It's like they're purposely trying to keep me looking elsewhere, when the bird can be directly overhead! Occasionally, one will break out in its thrush-type song, which puts a Robin's to shame.
Last winter, I only found a couple of Solitaires, sporadically, around the place. So far, I've counted at least a half dozen individuals, in past 2 wks. Maybe they know something I don't, about upcoming winter?!
