Birding along Sourdough Creek

This morning broke with brilliant sunshine and its accompanying warmth. Ice had formed in the melt-water puddles from yesterday, and the light and heat was beginning to return them to liquid. Along the cottonwoods and riparian scrub, Northern Flickers and Black-capped Chickadees were in full throat. how reassuring it was to hear the two-note song of the little chickadees – the first birds it seems to fully greet the coming warmth of spring.

I turn my skyward when I hear a Killdeer calling from about 35 feet in the air…ok it was the European Starling, but why does it seem that the starlings have a particular affinity for imitating Killdeers, police sirens, and Red-tailed Hawks? I remember the starling that had taken up residence it Fred’s Feed & Read in Missoula…more than once I looked in vain for the passing Red-tailed Hawk.