Not Quite Spring

Life has been busy, but I am surprised that it has been four months since my last post! Even though it is still February, I am starting to see signs of spring. This past Saturday the temperatures climbed into the sixties, so my husband and I took the opportunity to walk along the Boise River on the Garden City Greenbelt Riverside Pedestrian Path. Although there were other walkers and runners, it was relatively quite and and wildlife were abundant.

Canada Geese Reflections

I'm not a fan of Canada Geese, but when there are only two they are actually quite handsome. 

Barrows Goldeneye

The walking path cuts between the river and a side canal. Most of the water birds that we saw, were on the canal, like the Barrow's goldeneye (above) and the American Wigeon (below.) I was surprised to find out that my Life List did not include an American Wigeon, so I was excited to add this duck sighting.

American Wigeon

This flicker and its mate were seen flying in and out of the hole in this dead tree. This could be a new cavity, or they might be using one made by a different bird last year. 

Flicker nesting cavity

From a distance, I saw a large bird in a tree and thought that it was an owl.  Since I have yet to see an owl since moving to Idaho, I was disappointed that it turned out to be a Great Blue Heron. My attitude changed as we stood marveling at what a cool looking bird a heron is, whether it be in the water or on a branch in a tree.

Great Blue heron

 We ended our nature walk with a sighting of a muskrat enjoying a swim in the cool water.

Muskrat

Although the temperatures are back to below freezing, I take comfort in knowing that March is just a few days away, which means that soon, these warmer days will be here to stay.