Thx for posting this Denise.

Wow, we’ll really miss that place as one of our favorite birding stops over the last several years!!
But, we get it – the liability issue – and realize how lucky we were to have had access, eh?

Larry and Missy

From: “Denise Hughes deniseh449@gmail.com [ible]”
To: “IBLE”
Sent: Monday, January 7, 2019 11:38:41 AM
Subject: [IBLE] Kuna Sewage Treatment Ponds

I just received a text from Christina who works at the Kuna STP. Effective immediately no one is allowed to enter the pond area. Christina says that new signs will be put up that state ‘authorized personnel only’. Birders are not authorized to enter as our permission to enter has been revoked.

Christina says the city of Kuna is concerned about liability and that is the reason for the closure.

I know this has been a place for great bird sightings but let’s all follow the rules.

Can the person who does the ebird hotspots for this part of Idaho change the data so it no longer shows up as a hotspot. Visitors to our area might enter the STP without realizing that entry is prohibited.

Denise Hughes
Caldwell, Idaho

I just received a text from Christina who works at the Kuna STP. Effective immediately no one is allowed to enter the pond area. Christina says that new signs will be put up that state ‘authorized personnel only’. Birders are not authorized to enter as our permission to enter has been revoked.

Christina says the city of Kuna is concerned about liability and that is the reason for the closure.

I know this has been a place for great bird sightings but let’s all follow the rules.

Can the person who does the ebird hotspots for this part of Idaho change the data so it no longer shows up as a hotspot. Visitors to our area might enter the STP without realizing that entry is prohibited.

Denise Hughes
Caldwell, Idaho

Just spent 3 hours taking a “hawk drive”. Saw: Rough-legged Hawk (most numerous, 6 in one field, 15 total) including 2 beautiful dark morphs, Golden Eagle (1), Bald Eagle (2), Prairie Falcon (1), Am Kestrel (5), Red-tailed Hawk (3), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) & N Harrier (4). Also, numerous flocks of Horned Larks but no Snow Buntings or Larkspurs.

Besides the Hawks, spotted 4 different groups of Trumpeter Swans in flight. Always enjoy seeing the majestic white birds with their long necks stretched out flying & giving their occasional “trumpet call” against a snowy background.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

My Blue Jay continues to visit my feeders & appears no worse the wear, even with recent lows to -15°F. Still caches seeds & corn. Today, I had a surprise when I saw two 1st winter Harris’ Sparrows feeding side-by-side on fallen Russian Olive berries at the yard’s edge. One is always a treat, first time I’ve ever viewed two at same time as yard birds.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot

Thank you, Tom. It’s always a treat to read your posts. Happy New Year!
Judi and Frank

Fun indeed, Tom! Apologies, eh?

I’ll ask for one as I share this more widely
with birding buds who are not on this list
’cause they will, I know, enjoy this mightily!!

Thanks, mon !! =)
LA

To: “IBLE”
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 9:55:34 PM
Subject: [IBLE] Rhyming in the New Year

Again, with apologies to real poets, I offer some rhymes about birds.

New Year’s Birding

By Tom McCabe

The wind was cold, the sun was low

And ice was slowing the river’s flow.

The year was starting with quiet events

As Dark-eyed Juncos perched on my fence.

Other birds came and joined the crowd

But only the Crow was very loud.

Time to jump on my two-wheeled steed

Biking and birding is a constant need.

Finches and Doves along the way,

A Downy Woodpecker brightened my day.

Ducks and Geese and Chickadees

My year was starting with the greatest of ease.

Seeing a bird for the first time each year

Brings every birder a bit of cheer.

So going birding on January One

Means lots of cheer and lots of fun.

Herons and Hawks and a Ring-necked Duck

Nuthatch and Robins and a bit of luck.

On the first day of birding even a Starling

Can end up being quite the darling.

So get out the door and open your eyes,

Grab the binos and scan the skies,

‘Cause just in case you haven’t heard

Every flyer today is a first of year bird.

Again, with apologies to real poets, I offer some rhymes about birds.

New Year’s Birding

By Tom McCabe

The wind was cold, the sun was low

And ice was slowing the river’s flow.

The year was starting with quiet events

As Dark-eyed Juncos perched on my fence.

Other birds came and joined the crowd

But only the Crow was very loud.

Time to jump on my two-wheeled steed

Biking and birding is a constant need.

Finches and Doves along the way,

A Downy Woodpecker brightened my day.

Ducks and Geese and Chickadees

My year was starting with the greatest of ease.

Seeing a bird for the first time each year

Brings every birder a bit of cheer.

So going birding on January One

Means lots of cheer and lots of fun.

Herons and Hawks and a Ring-necked Duck

Nuthatch and Robins and a bit of luck.

On the first day of birding even a Starling

Can end up being quite the darling.

So get out the door and open your eyes,

Grab the binos and scan the skies,

‘Cause just in case you haven’t heard

Every flyer today is a first of year bird.

brrrrrrrrrr ~ ~ ~ 10F in our hood at the moment, will need Hot Hands and Hot Feet for birding today!

Folks, The Barred Owl, possibly the same individual that has been seen over the last three years, was photographed on 12/31 at the same location in a city park on E. side of Boise. Most of you IBLE’rs can guess this parks name.
( I prefer not to widely broadcast its exact location.)
Happy Tails, Rich Rusnak, Nampa
Sent from Mail for Windows 10

I was wondering if anyone here could provide any insight on why the
locator pin for the American Falls Reservoir hotspot is located in
Bannock County. I ask in this forum because so many observers for high
counts, first records, and rarities for the hotspot are names that I
often see here. Also, I emailed eBird about it twice and never got a
reply.

I’m curious because the pin is not really located in the center of the
reservoir. Bannock County does not look like it occupies more of the
reservoir than other counties, like Power or Bingham. Also, the
shoreline of the reservoir that is in Bannock County is entirely
within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and not accessible to the
general public.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Sent from my iPhone