August Birding Around Boise

This week I went birding at the Shakespeare Festival grounds in Southeast Boise and at Diane Moore Conservation Area which is along the Boise River. Both provided some interesting sightings.

Upon arrival at Shakespeare, our birding group was greeted by a load repeated shrill. We were all curious as to what kind of bird it was, thinking maybe it was a raptor. Finally, the little guy came out into the open and we were surprised to see that it was a Western Wood Peewee. It's amazing how such a small bird can project such a loud sound.

Western Wood Peewee

One highlight of the morning walk, was seeing a Common Nighthawk. The bird was easy to overlook, from a distance as it looked like it could have just been a Mourning Dove, but after it didn't move for a long time, someone checked with their binoculars, which revealed that it was a nighthawk. I am not sure why they like to sleep out in the open, especially in mid-summer when the temperatures get so hot. Nighthawks rest during the day and will forage for insects in the evening and early morning. In a few short weeks, this bird will join others in their migration to South America.

Common Nighthawk

The most exciting and unexpected observation of the day, was seeing a hummingbird on a nest. There are lots of hummingbirds in Idaho, with the most common in the Boise area being the Black-chinned. It seemed late in the season to be starting a family, but hummingbirds can have up to three broods a year. This one was taking care of at least one baby that had hatched.

Black-chinned hummingbird on nest.

Our group broke up around 11:00 AM as the forecast was for another blistering hot day.  Since we were very close to the Barber Pool Conservation Area and the future site of the Diane Moore Nature Center, I decided to drive over there and take a walk down to the river. The Boise River is quite wide at this location, so it's a great viewing area for water birds, Ospreys and eagles. Not surprising, the first bird I saw was an Osprey.

Osprey along the Boise River

In the water, a team of Mergansers gathered underneath the Highway 21 bridge. It must be a good spot for fishing as the two times I have been here there have also been several people fly fishing. 

Common Mergansers

 This Great Egret was standing in the water near the shore, looking for a bite to eat.

Great Egret

In addition to these bird sightings, the sandy shoreline here is suitable habitat for snakes and lizards. I heard several in the brush and was fortunate to capture a photo of this Longnose Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

Longnose Leopard Lizard

By early afternoon, the smoke from the wildfires were settling in and the temperatures were approaching the high nineties. I decided to call it a day, but will definitely be coming back again soon.