Trumpeter Swans | Harriman State Park, ID
Each year, thousands of Trumpeter Swans migrate through the Central Flyway of North America and many of them winter in southeastern Idaho. It is wonderful to go on a walk through the snow and say hello to these long-distance friends.
Sandhill Cranes | Teton Creek in Alta, WY
Sandhill Cranes are yet another long-distance friend. They too, migrate through the Central Flyway each year, stopping in the southeastern Idaho area every autumn.
Black-billed Magpie | Rexburg, ID
These birds in tuxedos are quite beautiful, though can be taken for granted because they are so common. You can see their long tails and stark colors streaking by as the dip in and out of the tall grass in the fields.
Osprey | Teton Creek in Alta, WY
Osprey are one of the toughest-looking raptors due to their sharp beak and talons used for grabbing fish out of streams, not to mention the intimidating mask around their eyes. There are a few places in this area where groups of them have chosen to live, and I am always baffled by the size of their nests and the power the birds sitting in them seem to hold.
Bald Eagles (Adult and Juvenile) | Cress Creek in Rexburg, ID
All of these photos were taken from the same evening, and it was truly one of the most enchanting experiences I've had during bird observation. On an evening drive, all of a sudden I started seeing big dark spots out in the bare trees so I took out my binoculars and sure enough— Bald Eagles! I counted 10 in total, 6 juveniles and 4 adults, all sitting together in the dusk of another day on the creek.
Eurasian Collared Doves | Rexburg, ID
Often confused with Mourning Doves and Rock Pigeons, these peaceful fellows can be seen sitting rather aloof in high-up treetops, surveying the action down below.
Common Redpoll | Beaver Dick Park in Rexburg, ID
These sweet passerines are a joy to spot during the holidays. Their red faces give a splash of festive color in the cold and dull winter landscape, and their chit-chatting songs energize the otherwise quiet trees.
