It's the middle of October, along one of the great rivers of the west -- the perfect time and place for watching the seasonal movements of birds. Some are just passing through, on their way to warmer climes, while others call this area their winter home. We've seen the huge, soaring silhouette of Golden eagles and the twittering flight of a flock of American goldfinches. The question arises, "How do you know which bird we're seeing?" By following certain rules to gather information about the "gis" of the bird, its general impression and size. For example, information about where in the world you are, and what sort of habitat you find the bird in. Wading birds are found near the water, birds of prey soar fairly high and tiny seed-eaters flit about in the treetops. Then making note of the size and shape of the bird's wings, bill, feet and body. If possible, observe the pattern of the bird's flight. Does it have the rapid, no-nonsense wingbeats of a duck, or the lilting flight of a tern? Last of all, one makes note of the bird's color.
Of course, after all the rules are outlined, there has to be someone to break them. During our Zodiac cruise up the Palouse River this morning we spotted this Great Blue Heron perched high on a basalt cliff, nowhere near the water.
