Kris Gates
@krismgates.bsky.social
Scientist, atheist, educator. Proud PNW liberal; Oregon.
Striving to be a part of our more perfect union. Lover of birds, cats, baking & preserving. Facts Matter.
#Bird photos are mine unless noted otherwise.
Joined 4/24 Missing Post News!
She/her/pissed
Striving to be a part of our more perfect union. Lover of birds, cats, baking & preserving. Facts Matter.
#Bird photos are mine unless noted otherwise.
Joined 4/24 Missing Post News!
She/her/pissed
If they can capture them, they’ll also eat small amphibians and reptiles. In the winter, they change their diet to fruit, including wild berries, that remain on plants. If you’re looking for any type of thrush in winter, your best chance is to find a tree or shrub with late berries. 🪶
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
If they can capture them, they’ll also eat small amphibians and reptiles. In the winter, they change their diet to fruit, including wild berries, that remain on plants. If you’re looking for any type of thrush in winter, your best chance is to find a tree or shrub with late berries. 🪶
named for its resemblance to the European Robin, is one of the small subset of #birds in its genus without “thrush” in its common name.
The Hermit Thrush is an omnivore, adapting to food availability throughout the year. In spring, they eat mainly insects: beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants & flies.
The Hermit Thrush is an omnivore, adapting to food availability throughout the year. In spring, they eat mainly insects: beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants & flies.
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
named for its resemblance to the European Robin, is one of the small subset of #birds in its genus without “thrush” in its common name.
The Hermit Thrush is an omnivore, adapting to food availability throughout the year. In spring, they eat mainly insects: beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants & flies.
The Hermit Thrush is an omnivore, adapting to food availability throughout the year. In spring, they eat mainly insects: beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants & flies.
sharing it with many of the nightingale-thrushes of Mexico & countries southward. All of those #birds are known for their sweet, melodious songs. And although its body shape is similar, the American Robin, also a thrush, is in a separate genus: Turdus, the latin word for thrush. The American Robin,
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
sharing it with many of the nightingale-thrushes of Mexico & countries southward. All of those #birds are known for their sweet, melodious songs. And although its body shape is similar, the American Robin, also a thrush, is in a separate genus: Turdus, the latin word for thrush. The American Robin,
4 separate locations! They love to perch hidden among the twigs & branches; I had to work fast to snap pics at moments when they were less obscured. The thrush family is a big one, with 17 separate genuses holding 194 #bird species. The Hermit, Swainson’s & Veery are members of the genus Catharus,
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
4 separate locations! They love to perch hidden among the twigs & branches; I had to work fast to snap pics at moments when they were less obscured. The thrush family is a big one, with 17 separate genuses holding 194 #bird species. The Hermit, Swainson’s & Veery are members of the genus Catharus,
#Bird of the Day: Hermit Thrush (HETH)
Some of you may remember how excited I was to have a Swainson’s Thrush in my yard during the fall migration season. The very similar Hermit Thrushes live in Oregon all winter, but I’ve only seen them a handful of times. But on my California trip, I saw HETH in
Some of you may remember how excited I was to have a Swainson’s Thrush in my yard during the fall migration season. The very similar Hermit Thrushes live in Oregon all winter, but I’ve only seen them a handful of times. But on my California trip, I saw HETH in
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
#Bird of the Day: Hermit Thrush (HETH)
Some of you may remember how excited I was to have a Swainson’s Thrush in my yard during the fall migration season. The very similar Hermit Thrushes live in Oregon all winter, but I’ve only seen them a handful of times. But on my California trip, I saw HETH in
Some of you may remember how excited I was to have a Swainson’s Thrush in my yard during the fall migration season. The very similar Hermit Thrushes live in Oregon all winter, but I’ve only seen them a handful of times. But on my California trip, I saw HETH in
Cookie platter recipe #5: Chai Pinwheels
I’m still trying to decide if these are going to get a cream cheese glaze.
The platter assortments this year aim for variety in pattern and form in shades of white to brown.
I’m still trying to decide if these are going to get a cream cheese glaze.
The platter assortments this year aim for variety in pattern and form in shades of white to brown.
December 9, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Cookie platter recipe #5: Chai Pinwheels
I’m still trying to decide if these are going to get a cream cheese glaze.
The platter assortments this year aim for variety in pattern and form in shades of white to brown.
I’m still trying to decide if these are going to get a cream cheese glaze.
The platter assortments this year aim for variety in pattern and form in shades of white to brown.
Cookie platter recipe #4: Honey & Tahini Cookies rolled in sesame and poppy seeds.
December 9, 2025 at 3:40 AM
Cookie platter recipe #4: Honey & Tahini Cookies rolled in sesame and poppy seeds.
Cookie platter recipe #3: Nutmeg Biscotti with toffee bits and dried cranberries
December 9, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Cookie platter recipe #3: Nutmeg Biscotti with toffee bits and dried cranberries
and when I looked back, the covey had come through the gate. Still pretty far away, but now more visible. Since the California CAQU weren’t cooperating with me, I leave you with some Oregon CAQU instead. This pair was out and proud on a weathered roadside fence last April. 🪶
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
and when I looked back, the covey had come through the gate. Still pretty far away, but now more visible. Since the California CAQU weren’t cooperating with me, I leave you with some Oregon CAQU instead. This pair was out and proud on a weathered roadside fence last April. 🪶
My camera wasn’t up to a clear shot of the distant, moving birds under overcast skies. Still, they were fun to watch, scurrying on their tiny legs from place to place and fluttering up to mount some decorative vintage farm equipment. Our group gradually moved further away in search of other #birds,
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
My camera wasn’t up to a clear shot of the distant, moving birds under overcast skies. Still, they were fun to watch, scurrying on their tiny legs from place to place and fluttering up to mount some decorative vintage farm equipment. Our group gradually moved further away in search of other #birds,
Then, while #birding with my group in Carmel Valley, we came across a large covey of CAQU foraging. Unfortunately, we were separated from them by the locked gate of an expansive 6000+ acre luxury cattle ranch. (When I looked it up later out of curiosity, the last listing price was over $21 million.)
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Then, while #birding with my group in Carmel Valley, we came across a large covey of CAQU foraging. Unfortunately, we were separated from them by the locked gate of an expansive 6000+ acre luxury cattle ranch. (When I looked it up later out of curiosity, the last listing price was over $21 million.)
#Bird of the Day: California Quail (CAQU)
One day in Big Sur I had just a glimpse of a single quail in the brambles by the parking gravel before it secreted itself further in. Where you see one, you know there are plenty more, but they didn’t make an appearance while we sat and ate our sack lunches.
One day in Big Sur I had just a glimpse of a single quail in the brambles by the parking gravel before it secreted itself further in. Where you see one, you know there are plenty more, but they didn’t make an appearance while we sat and ate our sack lunches.
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
#Bird of the Day: California Quail (CAQU)
One day in Big Sur I had just a glimpse of a single quail in the brambles by the parking gravel before it secreted itself further in. Where you see one, you know there are plenty more, but they didn’t make an appearance while we sat and ate our sack lunches.
One day in Big Sur I had just a glimpse of a single quail in the brambles by the parking gravel before it secreted itself further in. Where you see one, you know there are plenty more, but they didn’t make an appearance while we sat and ate our sack lunches.
A few favorites at the Wild Arts Festival today, organized by the local Bird Alliance chapter. Upcycled creatures made of metal, wood & tire rubber. Also the petite bird portraits by Sheila M. Evans, an artist previously featured by @goodport.bsky.social Oh, to have unlimited funds & empty walls!
December 8, 2025 at 1:06 AM
A few favorites at the Wild Arts Festival today, organized by the local Bird Alliance chapter. Upcycled creatures made of metal, wood & tire rubber. Also the petite bird portraits by Sheila M. Evans, an artist previously featured by @goodport.bsky.social Oh, to have unlimited funds & empty walls!
My brother in law sent over two buckets of spent grains from his brewing process for the neighbor’s chicken. It’s a hit!
December 8, 2025 at 12:40 AM
My brother in law sent over two buckets of spent grains from his brewing process for the neighbor’s chicken. It’s a hit!
the parts that would benefit from a bit more cooking) and added some diced apples, pears, and onions. Roasted in the oven for an hour at 425F, then pureed with chicken broth, dried herbs, & some nutty salsa macha to make a tasty winter soup.
The other 8 cups will be frozen for future recipes.
The other 8 cups will be frozen for future recipes.
December 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM
the parts that would benefit from a bit more cooking) and added some diced apples, pears, and onions. Roasted in the oven for an hour at 425F, then pureed with chicken broth, dried herbs, & some nutty salsa macha to make a tasty winter soup.
The other 8 cups will be frozen for future recipes.
The other 8 cups will be frozen for future recipes.
the interiors with olive oil. Face down on a baking sheet to roast at 350F. The smaller ones took an hour. The bigger one I gave 90 minutes but probably should have let it go 20 minutes more to get them fully tender.
Scooped out the cooked flesh for a total of 13 cups! Took 5 cups of this (choosing
Scooped out the cooked flesh for a total of 13 cups! Took 5 cups of this (choosing
December 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM
the interiors with olive oil. Face down on a baking sheet to roast at 350F. The smaller ones took an hour. The bigger one I gave 90 minutes but probably should have let it go 20 minutes more to get them fully tender.
Scooped out the cooked flesh for a total of 13 cups! Took 5 cups of this (choosing
Scooped out the cooked flesh for a total of 13 cups! Took 5 cups of this (choosing
No pumpkins here. The orange squash here is an Uchiki Kuri, known for its nutty flavor. The pale green one is a Blue Ballet, a type of Hubbard, that's sweet & chestnutty. And the small, brownish one is a Kabocha. After cutting each one in half, I scooped out the seeds & fibers, then lightly coated
December 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM
No pumpkins here. The orange squash here is an Uchiki Kuri, known for its nutty flavor. The pale green one is a Blue Ballet, a type of Hubbard, that's sweet & chestnutty. And the small, brownish one is a Kabocha. After cutting each one in half, I scooped out the seeds & fibers, then lightly coated
Time to phase out the autumn table decorations. I've had an assortment of colorful winter squashes and gourds out, so now I will turn them into soup and baked goods by roasting them and scooping out the tender flesh. 🍽️ And of course, the seeds will go out for the squirrels and birds to enjoy.
December 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Time to phase out the autumn table decorations. I've had an assortment of colorful winter squashes and gourds out, so now I will turn them into soup and baked goods by roasting them and scooping out the tender flesh. 🍽️ And of course, the seeds will go out for the squirrels and birds to enjoy.
new and beautiful. BRCR prefer trees like those in these photos: those with deeply furrowed bark that houses spiders and other insect life. You can also see the sharp, curved claws of the BRCR, perfectly suited for gripping bark, while their stiff tailfeathers act as a support as they cling. 🪶
December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
new and beautiful. BRCR prefer trees like those in these photos: those with deeply furrowed bark that houses spiders and other insect life. You can also see the sharp, curved claws of the BRCR, perfectly suited for gripping bark, while their stiff tailfeathers act as a support as they cling. 🪶
on a particular tree, all of a sudden it whirled into the air, spiraling downward like a falling leaf as it traveled to an adjacent trunk. & then it did it again when it moved to the next one! The moment made me gasp with its loveliness. No matter how much I observe #birds, there's always something
December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
on a particular tree, all of a sudden it whirled into the air, spiraling downward like a falling leaf as it traveled to an adjacent trunk. & then it did it again when it moved to the next one! The moment made me gasp with its loveliness. No matter how much I observe #birds, there's always something
see it! This practice gave me some wonderful experiences with Brown Creepers this summer, as their thin, high-pitched call is common while they are foraging, but as you can see, their camouflage is quite effective. Treecreepers only move upward on tree trunks. As I watched one #bird pecking upward
December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
see it! This practice gave me some wonderful experiences with Brown Creepers this summer, as their thin, high-pitched call is common while they are foraging, but as you can see, their camouflage is quite effective. Treecreepers only move upward on tree trunks. As I watched one #bird pecking upward
#Bird of the Day: Brown Creeper (BRCR)
As I get further along in my birding journey, I have been trying to improve my skills at birding by ear. I’m slowly getting better at listening closely and being able to locate the bird making the sound, and sometimes I even know what I’m listening to before I
As I get further along in my birding journey, I have been trying to improve my skills at birding by ear. I’m slowly getting better at listening closely and being able to locate the bird making the sound, and sometimes I even know what I’m listening to before I
December 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
#Bird of the Day: Brown Creeper (BRCR)
As I get further along in my birding journey, I have been trying to improve my skills at birding by ear. I’m slowly getting better at listening closely and being able to locate the bird making the sound, and sometimes I even know what I’m listening to before I
As I get further along in my birding journey, I have been trying to improve my skills at birding by ear. I’m slowly getting better at listening closely and being able to locate the bird making the sound, and sometimes I even know what I’m listening to before I
They are gorgeous indeed. I'm also partial to the white-throated sparrows!
December 7, 2025 at 4:12 AM
They are gorgeous indeed. I'm also partial to the white-throated sparrows!
Interesting to compare with the scruffier mule deer from my April trip to the Malheur basin in Oregon. No acorns here to provide such easy pickings!
December 6, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Interesting to compare with the scruffier mule deer from my April trip to the Malheur basin in Oregon. No acorns here to provide such easy pickings!
Happy #Caturday! Can you see what I see? This vehicle has a stuffed black cat head on its front passenger seat. For a moment, I was quite startled to see these eyes looking back at me!
December 6, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Happy #Caturday! Can you see what I see? This vehicle has a stuffed black cat head on its front passenger seat. For a moment, I was quite startled to see these eyes looking back at me!