I thought this bird to be about 11-12", which suggested it was a sharpie. But looking at the tail shape suggests it might be a male cooper's, if I am wrong about it's length, and it is more like 14". The tail shape of a sharpie, from what I can tell, is more square when in flight, but rounded, and with an indent when perched. I'm pretty sure someone will offer a correct ID, possibly within seconds of posting. For context, this bird got into our chicken tractor, maybe by chasing some of the sparrows that glean dropped chicken feed.
A new colony of Western Thatching Ants has appeared in my wood chip pile, only 5 meters from a large, 10-year colony.
Old flush on dead alder at north end of China Pond marsh.
Strong banding on this versicolor growing on a decomposing red alder branch. The width of the full cluster is about 17 cm.
Never before have I seen a flock of Varied Thrushes as I did this morning - six of them!
Estimated at about 3.5". Flew into barn at dusk, flew a few patterns and landed at the top of the 16' post. It tucked its head under its body once settled. Was not located the following day.