Steve and I headed out this weekend in search of new year birds and
lifers, finally free of the constraints of an unreliable car. We
left Moscow early Saturday morning for the Cataldo mission area.
Temps were in the 50's, with little wind and few clouds. Highlights
included Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Yellow Warblers, Townsend's
Solitaire, a Rufous hummer entranced by the red lights on the
jeep, ~100 American Pipits, ~ 25 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and one female
WILSON'S PHALAROPE in full alternate plummage. The yellowlegs and
phalarope were found in a marshy area on the west side of River Rd
(exit 34?) south of I-90. This is the first time either of us have
seen a phalarope in breeding plummage so it was very exciting. She
was quite obliging and we watched her for several minutes through the
scope. There were also several Osprey on nests.

After a lunch stop, we decided to detour through Turnbull NWR on our
way back to Moscow. I had been waiting a long time for this, and
finally, I got to show Steve BLACK TERNS, a lifer for him.
Unfortunately, it seemed rather anti-climatic after seeing the
striking White-winged Tern (in CA) a few years back.

All in all a nice day, with a lifer for Steve, and 40 species
sighted. More details are available if anyone wants them.
jw
Jane Westervelt
Steve Kalloger
Moscow, ID