Towheeblog

This morning in McMinnville we got some scattered sunshine.  As clouds muddled about, occasionally leaving a patch of blue, some wan winter sunlight came through.  That began to warm sidewalks and dark roofs.  One relieved little House Sparrow went to the peak of a neighbor’s roof, there to warm and dry and preen.

Late in the day a dog walk took me past the east edge of the country club golf course and there was a Peregrine eating in the top of the highest Doug fir.

A CRITTER GALLERYAmerican Goldfinches after food.  Below: a size comparison.  For ever ich of finch, three of dove.Above, collared-doves enjoying a respite from the rain.  This is one of the local pea-nutters:Above, there is word for this guy…perky.  Another word might be…impertinent.  The local red-tail in a treetop during a halt in the rain.  This bird may have young to feed or a mate on eggs.

Among the blooms in sight now are the earliest daffodils.  Also heather, candytuft, snow drops, crocus in bright bud but not quite open, and none of the native plants yet.

YAMHILL BIRDING CLASS

I will be teaching a three-week birding class in McMinnville this April–three night lectures and three field trips on Saturdays.  Click here for program and registration info.

In addition to identification we will discuss recent discoveries in bird behavior and pay special attention to courtship and nesting behavior of our local birds.

THE ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT BEGINS ON THE IDES OF FEBRUARY, CLICK FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION.  ALONG WITH THE CHRIST MAS BIRD COUNT IT IS IMPORTANT CITIZEN SCIENCE.