What a day! Nine hours, 7 hiked miles, 32 species and over 411 birds counted by my team of 3 in our small patch! No doubt we missed some. Combined recordings of other teams in different "patches" brings the species count to 100.
I always feel like a treasure hunter when I'm actively birding. There's no guarantee you'll find what you are seeking but when you do, it's fantastic!
My favorite moment of the day was when the Canyon Wren which we heard but could not see came out of his hiding from the boulders and perched on a tree stump and performed for us. It was the first time any of us had seen this beautiful bird clearly.
For me, birding by ear takes a LOT of practice. I was thrilled when I positively identified the White-headed and Nuttall's woodpeckers from each other since their calls are similar. They have been a challenge for me.
In one area that was predominantly filled with Acorn Woodpeckers, a Red-breasted Sapsucker surprised us with his quiet probing in the trunk unlike the others whose calls filled the air.
In another spot, we couldn't understand why we saw mobs of Steller's Jays surrounding us until we found a lady hidden from our sight who was throwing peanuts off her balcony - A Jay's delight!
Climbing to a higher elevation, we found Cassin's Finches, a new bird for us, with a huge flock of Western Bluebirds. Their presence dominated all other birds with their constant eating, flying and splashing in the newly melted snow puddle.
I went back the next day for another peek at the birds I had seen without luck. Even the crowd of bluebirds had dispersed. I was reminded that truly special moments are to be appreciated since they rarely can be duplicated.
At the end of the day as we were tallying up the reports, I learned that someone else found the birds I was hoping to find - Varied Thrush and Lewis's Woodpecker Lucky for them! The "treasure hunt" for them will continue another day.
Best of all, I spent the entire day outdoors with my family with the sole purpose of giving some attention to the wildlife that lives nearby.
