Recently, I’ve read sev articles about Long-billed Curlew numbers dropping in S ID & a disturbing reason for the decline. It appears that poaching, specifically “target shooting” is a major factor. The LB Curlew is federally protected by the Migratory Bird Act but that, obviously, doesn’t deter everybody. As unconscionable as “thrill-killing” such a magnificent bird is, I would also like to raise the discussion of, perhaps, another factor playing a role in lower Curlew numbers.

30 years ago in SE ID, LB Curlews were fairly common in most irrigated fields, particularly pastures. But, about a decade ago, I started seeing fewer & fewer. To the point now, at least in my area, Curlews have become rare. I think the switch from flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation is a factor in the decrease. Certainly, sprinkler irrigation conserves water & is less labor intensive but the flooded fields with standing water have virtually disappeared. And with the disappearance of soaking wet, short grass pasture fields, appears the Curlews have moved on. I’m not advocating a return to flood irrigation, but I believe the change has made a difference. Food for thought. I’d be interested in what others may think.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot