Boston Bar July 11

[Gord]

Today was up at Boston Bar. Or more accurately, North Bend which is across the river from Boston Bar. One of the first birds I got was when I got out of the car. It has been about 10 years since I heard a Veery (thrush species similar to Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes) singing at the lower end of the Skagit River but I was pretty certain that was what it was. I rushed over and got some video recording of it singing and calling and got a few good looks as well!!! I was fairly surprised to find this species here. But then, another flew across the road, making its "bray" call and landed in the same tree. I expect a female as the male did not go after it. Along the way I would come across four more singing males! That kind of numbers was not what I expected. I know Thor used to bird the area when he worked around there and wonder if he's ever seen them there or if this is something new.

By the landfill I came across a singing Nashville Warbler and saw a female carrying food. A family of Chipping Sparrows were not far from here. By the tracks was a Western Kingbird keeping an eye on things from the wires. MacGillvray's Warbler were in many locations. There were also two Lazuli Buntings singing at the old school area. I really wish I had more time to bird here! Such different habitat from around here! The roads are very quiet and with not many houses you can walk and bird and not have to worry about making the locals worried.

Oh, forgot the Ruffed Grouse with fairly old chicks right on the road. I pulled up right next to her and snapped a quick photo as she nonchalantly strolled away. I hope to get time to download that picture tonight to share but uploading the Veery video is taking forever!

Ah, too much sun today and am forgetting what I see until I check my fieldnotes but there was also a female Calliope Hummingbird that paused long enough for a look.

Beautiful day.

[Gord]

Here is a link for the Veery singing and calling. It takes a few seconds before it starts to sing and call again. It choose to be silent for about 10 seconds right after I pushed the record button. Actually, Im going to try and insert it in this message. Click on it to view(listen)




And the Ruffed Grouse hen. I messed the exposure pretty badly on this one!

[ryjay]

Veery is one of the birds I missed on my Okanogan trip this year, lovely bird. Its interesting to hear the sightings from around Boston Bar, ive always driven through on my way back from the Okanogan, and wondered what sorts of of birds were around there. Another Place that interests me is the Merrit to Spences Bridge Highway, I wonder if that area is under birded and maybe the BC atlassing project will show some more insight to the birds of that area.