Hi Obol,
I spotted the Mountain Chickadee (first observed 11/4) a bit ago, and it
continues to frustrate me in getting a photo of it. The Black-capped and
Chestnut-backed Dees move quickly, but I can get photos of them about 50% of
the time. However, the Mountain Dee moves like lightening, zipping in and
out in a flash giving me no chance at all for a photo. Grrrrr.
However, I didn't stay grumpy for long because while attempting to photo the
Mountain Dee, I had a piece of Patagonia Picnic Table Effect! I spotted a
White-throated Sparrow amidst the Juncos! This is a personal big deal
because White-throated Sparrows wintered with me when I lived in Vienna, VA,
and I loved seeing and hearing them all those years. I was never lucky
enough to get them as a winter yard bird when I lived in Austin, TX, even
though they were in the area. Ever since I moved here in 2013 I have been
envious of the folks in Eugene who have reported them in their yards. No
more envy now, yay!
Photos/video here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/canyoneagle/ZFY72j
Lori Markoff
Eugene (South Hills)
