Three Little Birds

Western Meadowlark's Silhouette

Well, I had meant to do this post a bit earlier, but with my unexpected trip to Florida - it's happening now instead. The Great Backyard Bird Count is currently underway - it began on the 15th and goes through the 18th. So if you haven't had a chance to get counting, there's still time! This is your chance to help the scientists and to give a representation of the birds in your area. Bird counts can be gathered by anyone - kids, adults, novices, and experts. It can be enjoyed by an individual or a group. It also makes for an excellent family activity and a possible tradition. Bird watching is a great way to experience nature and to get familiar with the avian residents who share our spaces. Kids can certainly benefit from this knowledge, which can help them get to know their surroundings and become good stewards. So get out a pair of goggles, gather round the window, step out into your backyard or your favorite nature space, and get counting!


How to Participate

Local GBBC Events

And here's a birdie song by Bob Marley to get you groovin:

Rise up this mornin,

Smiled with the risin sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true,

Sayin, (this is my message to you-ou-ou:)


Singin: dont worry bout a thing,

cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singin: dont worry (dont worry) bout a thing,

cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Will you be participating in the count?

© 2008 SegoLily

Wild Idaho #1

Fall Eating in the South Hills

Can you tell what bird this is? I'm still flipping through my bird book - what do you think?

© 2007 SegoLily

Winter Birds

A Welcome Winter Visitor

Dark-eyed Junco

After an unplanned hiatus from writing, I return to talk about our feathered fliers - the birds. Though winter is a couple of months away, I thought it a good time to get ready for the arrival of the wintering birds. I find immense joy in observing and identifying birds for the first time, and each time thereafter. Winter, summer, and migrations make for excellent opportunities to sight birds that aren't around for the entire year. If you keep a running record of when and where you spotted a bird, then this is especially satisfying. But whether you don't know a crow from a raven or are able to name the correct body parts for identification purposes, the thrill of seeing birds is equally pleasing, no matter the skill level. Anytime is always a worthy time to discover the intriguing activity of birding. It's also a great way to learn the flora and fauna of your area, something every human being should strive to become experts on - as we have fallen so out of touch with the land and our immediate surroundings. Below is a list of the birds that winter in Idaho. I encourage you to look up the overwinter-ers in the region you live. Believe me, you'll find great pleasure in it!


-American Tree Sparrow

-Bald Eagle

-Barrow's Goldeneye

-Bohemian Waxwing

-Brown Creeper

-Bufflehead

-Common Goldeneye

-Common Merganser

-Dark-eyed Junco

-Evening Grosbeak

-Golden-crowned Kinglet

-Gray-crowned Rosy-finch

-Herring Gull

-Hooded Merganser

-Lapland Longspur

-Lesser Scaup

-Northern Saw-whet Owl

-Northern Shrike

-Red Crossbill

-Ring-necked Duck

-Rough-legged Hawk

-Sharp-shinned Hawk

-Snow Bunting

-Snowy Owl

-Pine Siskin

-Yellow-rumped Warbler


While some of these birds occupy parts of Idaho year-round, other areas of Idaho only get them during the winter months. I will be profiling each bird during the coming days. Check back for interesting tid-bits and birding tips. Look for the birds in your area!


Do you keep a bird list? Are you an avid bird watcher? Are you going to be from here on out? Share your bird stories!

*After posting this, I headed to my mom's house and out the window saw a male and female Dark-eyed Junco at her bird bath! The Dark-eyed Junco is a favorite of mine and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders (as the picture taken out my window shows). For me, they are a symbolic transition into winter and when they arrive, I feel as if old friends have come for an extended visit. Welcome birds of winter!

© 2007 SegoLily