“Wheatear”
Anyone been curious about the word “Wheatear”? According to Peter Mathisson in “The Tree Where Man was Born” it’s old english for “whte arse”. (Painting by David A. Sibley)

Anyone been curious about the word “Wheatear”? According to Peter Mathisson in “The Tree Where Man was Born” it’s old english for “whte arse”. (Painting by David A. Sibley)

Who can remember 5 things that ID this bird? Western Montana
We considered this woodpecker for Hairy, but as we decided in the field, I still think Downy, but it is worth a look. Here’s part of what Sibley says. Anyone disagree? Article by David A. Sibley
For today’s High Island Warmup we have a little quiz: Egret/heron bill & head. Suggest you try it without looking at references. Note the differences in lores & bill color, as well as bill shape. You can email me your answers if you want to, but please don’t respond with the answers as that will…
After birding in the wind and rain most of the day, watching this Merlin eat his meal in the hot tub at Mary’s (us in the hot tub, not the merlin) was quite copacetic!!!
Western bluebirds still on CR 207 1/2 mile from the dacha. Chased half heartedly by kestrel. 10-12 of them.
I think we talked about him in class. I know some of you have read about him.