On February 9 we followed up on a few reports that we hadn't been able to chase yet. First were the Evening Grosbeaks at
Eagle Island State Park. A few other birders had been seeing a flock of grosbeaks at the park for several weeks, with one particular report for a flock of 200+. We made a few attempts to find them, and luckily did on our third try.
 |
Evening Grosbeaks. Eagle Island State Park, Ada County. February 9, 2013. |
Next we stopped by a residential pond in Eagle that had been hosting a Eurasian Wigeon for a few days. On our first pass there were no wigeons in sight, but several people had mentioned that the wigeons were coming and going to/from a few other ponds in the area, and our second pass 45 minutes later was successful.
 |
Eurasian and American Wigeons. Floating Feather Rd, Ada County. February 9, 2013. |
Other highlights of the day include a heard-only Bewick's Wren that's been hanging out near the Avimor neighborhood on highway 55 north of Eagle, and a good variety of waterfowl along the Snake River between Marsing and Celebration Park.
 |
Assorted waterfowl. Snake River - Plum Lane Overlook, Canyon County. February 9, 2013. |
Towards the end of the day we "enjoyed" harrowing ride on a jeep road that was in much worse condition than we were expecting. To add a little excitement to the already nerve-wracking ride, we happened to be passing by just as the local police were arriving to take a look at a
murder victim's jeep that had been pushed into the river.
 |
Jeep pushed in to the Snake River. Celebration Park, Canyon County. February 9, 2013. |